Smoking article

ABSTRACT

A smoking article comprises a first part ( 111 ) comprising a source of smokable material, a second part ( 112 ) comprising a filter section and configured to be rotatable relative to the first part, a first indexing surface ( 116 ) on the first part and a second indexing surface ( 306 ) on the second part configured to engage to index the rotation between the first and second parts, and wherein the smoking article comprises a first spacing section ( 310   a ) and a second spacing section ( 310   b ), wherein the second indexing surface is configured to be movable between the first and second spacing sections, wherein the second indexing surface is supported in a radial position relative to the first indexing surface defined at least partially by at least one of the first or second spacing sections, and wherein a leading edge of the first and second spacing sections are connected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article, a blank formanufacturing a smoking article, and a method of manufacturing a smokingarticle.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles are known in which a ventilation can be controlled byrotation of a part of the smoking article.

SUMMARY

In this specification there are described embodiments of a smokingarticle, comprising: a first part comprising a source of smokablematerial, a second part comprising a filter section and configured to berotatable relative to the first part, a first indexing surface on thefirst part and a second indexing surface on the second part configuredto engage to index the rotation between the first and second parts, andwherein the smoking article comprises a first spacing section and asecond spacing section, wherein the second indexing surface isconfigured to be movable between the first and second spacing sections,wherein the second indexing surface is supported in a radial positionrelative to the first indexing surface defined at least partially by atleast one of the first or second spacing sections, and wherein a leadingedge of the first and second spacing sections are connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal cross-section of a smoking articleaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of blanks and rod articles according to a firstembodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank according to the first embodiment ofthe smoking article,

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank according to a second embodiment of thesmoking article,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank according to a third embodiment of thesmoking article,

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a further blank according to the thirdembodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 7 is a plan view of blanks according to a fourth embodiment of thesmoking article,

FIG. 8 is a plan view of blanks according to a fifth embodiment of thesmoking article,

FIG. 9 is a plan view of blanks and rod articles according to a sixthembodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank according to a seventh embodiment ofthe smoking article,

FIG. 11 is a plan view of blanks according to an eighth embodiment ofthe smoking article,

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a blank according to a ninth embodiment of thesmoking article,

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank and rod articles according to a tenthembodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank and rod articles according to aneleventh embodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 15 is a plan view of blanks and rod articles according to a twelfthembodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 16 is a plan view of blanks and rod articles according to athirteenth embodiment of the smoking article,

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a first method of manufacturing a smokingarticle according to the present invention,

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a second method of manufacturing asmoking article according to the present invention, and

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a third method of manufacturing a smokingarticle according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokeable productssuch as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco,tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobaccosubstitutes and also heat-not-burn products (i.e. products in whichflavour is generated from a smoking material by the application of heatwithout causing combustion of the material).

A smoking article formed by an embodiment of the apparatus or methodcomprises an elongate source of smokable material. In particular, thesmokable material is tobacco, and is arranged in a cylindrical tobaccorod. One or more fillers or filter sections are attached to the tobaccorod. Each filter or filter section comprises filtration material wrappedin a sheet material, for example, paper, e.g. plugwrap. The filter orfilter sections define a longitudinal axis, which is common to alongitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. As used herein, the term“component of a smoking article” or “rod article” includes any componentpart of a smoking article such as a tobacco rod, filter, filter sectionor mouthpiece, or a combination of these. One or more components of thesmoking article are circumscribed by a wrap. The wrap can have thefunction of one or more of: connecting two components, providingstructural support to one or more components, allowing movement relativeto another part of the smoking article to control a property of thesmoking article (e.g. ventilation), or any other function.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary smoking article 100, which can be manufacturedaccording to an embodiment of the apparatus or method. This smokingarticle is merely an example, and the apparatus and method may be usedin the manufacture of different types of smoking articles having a firstwrapped layer, and a second wrapped layer circumscribing the firstwrapped layer.

The smoking article 100 comprises a first part comprising a source ofsmokable material 111. In this example, the smokable material istobacco, in the form of a tobacco rod. The smoking article 100 furthercomprises one or more filler sections attached to the source of smokablematerial 111. The exemplary smoking article comprises a part movable toselect a property of the smoking article e.g. a ventilation level. Inthis example, the movement is a rotation. In some implementations, thesmoking article optionally comprises a limiter (limiting mechanism),configured to limit movement to a pre-determined range.

The smoking article comprises a first filter section 112 and a secondfilter section 114. The first filter section 112 is attached to thesource of smokable material to form a single unit. The tobacco rod andfirst filter section 112 may be connected with a covering layer to affixthe first filter section 112 to the tobacco rod, for example formed ofsheet material, e.g. tipping paper, as is known. In some examples, thefirst filter section 112 comprises an additive, for example, carbon. Insome examples, the additive can be activated charcoal.

The tobacco rod and first filter section are referred to as a first partof the smoking article, or as a tobacco unit, and in some examples, arerigidly connected as a unit. The elongate tobacco rod and first filtersection define a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. A rearwarddirection is defined towards a mouth end of the smoking article, and aforward direction is defined towards a tobacco, or lighting, end of thesmoking article.

A second part of the smoking article comprises the second filter section114. The second filter section 114 is co-axial with the first filtersection 112, and is located rearwardly of the first filter section 112.The tobacco rod, first filler section 112 and second filter section 114can be considered as examples of rod articles 110 or a “core” of thesmoking article, around which an inner wrap and an outer wrap arewrapped. The smoking article may be formed with one or more rodarticles.

The tobacco rod and first filter section are configured to rotate as aunit around a longitudinal axis.

The first and/or second filter sections 112,114 are made of aconventional filtration material, e.g. cellulose acetate tow. The firstand/or second filter sections 112,114 further comprises a sheetmaterial, for example paper, e.g. plugwrap, which is wrapped around thefiltration material. The filtration material and surrounding wrappedsheet material forms an example of a rod article. The first and secondand further wraps described are separate and additional to the sheetmaterial wrapped directly around the filtration material or tobaccomaterial, and forming the filter rods or tobacco rod.

The smoking article 100 comprises a plurality of layers extending aroundone or more rod article. Each layer can be in the shape of a cylindricaltube, extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 111, firstfilter section 112 and/or second filter section 114. The plurality oflayers can be formed by one or more blanks of sheet material, wrappedaround the rod articles one or more times. In a first embodiment of theinvention, a first blank 300 is wrapped directly around the rodarticles. A second blank 200 is wrapped around the first blank 300. Inthis example, each of the first and second blanks 300,200 is wrappedtwice around the rod articles 110. In this implementation, the firstblank 300 and a rod article 110 (e.g. first filter section 112 as shown)comprise, or have attached, an indexing mechanism 116,304, which will bedescribed in more detail below.

FIG. 2 shows the rod articles 110, as described with respect to FIG. 1.The first blank 300 and second blank 200 are also shown. The alignmentof the first and second blanks 300,200, and the rod articles 110,indicates the attachment of the relevant part of the first blank 300 tothe rod articles, and of the second blank 200 to the first blank 300.The first and second blanks 300,200 are each made of a sheet material.In some aspects, the sheet material is paper. The first and secondblanks 300,200 are each unitary sheets of material. The first and secondblanks 300,200 each extend in a plurality of layers around the wholecircumference of the smoking article.

The indexing mechanism comprises a first indexing surface 116 engagablewith a second indexing surface 304 configured to move relative to eachother with an indexing movement between discrete positions. In someaspects, the indexing can generate an audible click when moved betweenindexing positions.

The first indexing surface comprises ridges and grooves (depressions)116 on the exterior surface of the first filter section. The ridges andgrooves are arranged such that circumferential movement is indexed. Insome examples, the ridges and grooves 116 extend substantiallylongitudinally. The ridges and grooves 116 are defined by an exteriorpaper wrap and filtration material which together form the first filtersection.

The second indexing surface comprises one or more upstandingprotrusions, which extend radially. The one or more protrusions can bein the form of a pawl 304. The pawl comprises a radially protrudingridge, comprising an elongate protrusion extending longitudinally. Thepawl 304 is configured to engage with features 116 (e.g. ridges) on anexterior of the rod articles, to provide indexing on rotation between aninnermost wrap around the rod articles and at least one of the rodarticles, in particular, the first filler section 112.

A second indexing surface support unit, also termed a pawl support unit,306 comprises the pawl 304. The pawl support unit 306 can be a piece ofsheet material which is folded to define the pawl 304. The pawl 304 hasa triangular cross-section to protrude radially inwardly. An apex of thetriangular cross-section engages with the features 116, e.g. ridges, inthe first filler section 112. The pawl support unit 306 comprises aplurality of folds to define the triangular cross-section of the pawl304.

The pawl support unit 306 extends around only a part of thecircumference of the rod articles 110. The pawl support unit 306 isaffixed to a support section 320 of the first blank 300. The supportsection 320 extends around the whole circumference of the rod articles110. For example, the support section 320 extends around one wholecircumference only of the rod articles. The support section 320 wrapsaround the rod articles no in the form of a tube, i.e. a cylindricaltube. The support section 320 is configured to attach to itself, to besecured as a tube extending around the rod article.

The first blank 300 is configured to support the pawl 304 in a radialposition which allows the pawl 304 to index between the indexing ridgesof the first indexing surface. In particular, the pawl unit 306 issupported radially away from at least a part of the first indexingsurface, e.g. radially spaced from a radially inner part of the grooves.As such, the engaged first and second indexing surfaces can beconsidered as spaced apart, whilst being operable to provide indexedmovement.

The first and second indexing surfaces are in a pre-determined radialposition relative to each other. In some aspects, this radial positionis at least a minimum separation. In some aspects, the first and secondindexing surfaces are spaced apart such that the first and secondindexing surfaces are not urged or biased together, or forced into fullcontact with each other.

The first blank 300 comprises at least one spacing section configured tomaintain a radial position between the first and second indexingsurfaces. In some aspects, the first blank 300 comprises first andsecond spacing sections 310 a, 310 b configured to maintain this radialposition. The first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b arearranged forwardly and rearwardly of the second indexing surface 304,respectively. The first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b eachcomprise a first portion 311 a frangibly attached to the support section320. For example, the blank 300 comprises a plurality of perforations325 extending circumferentially between the first portions 311 a andsupport section 320. The first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 bare elongate sections of sheet material affixed to the first filtersection. The first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b are spacedapart longitudinally, providing access therebetween to the firstindexing surface. In some examples, the first and/or second spacingsections 310 a, 310 b are attached to parts of the first indexingsurface on the first filter section 112. The second indexing surface isarranged to contact a further part of the first indexing surface on thefirst filter section 112, between the first and second spacing sections310 a, 310 b.

The first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b form both an innerlayer and outer layer around the rod article 110. As such, the first andsecond spacing sections 310 a, 310 b extend two times around the wholecircumference of the rod articles. The first portions 311 a of thespacing sections 310 a, 310 b and support section 320 are configured toform an outer layer of the blank 300. An inner layer is provided by asecond portion 311 b of the first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310b.

The inner layer and outer layer are wrapped sequentially. In particular,the area of the blank for forming the inner layer is wrapped around thewhole circumference of the smoking article, i.e. around the rodarticles. The outer layer is integrally formed as part of the sameblank, and follows the inner layer. The outer layer is wrapped aroundthe whole circumference. In some aspects, a further extent of blankoverlaps with the outer layer, to secure the outer layer as a tube. Insome aspects, an overlap also secures the inner layer as a tube. Thewrapping of the blank is continuous.

The second portions 311 b are attached directly to the rod article, e.g.the first filler section 112. The pawl support unit 306 is initiallyattached to the outer layer of the first blank 300, i.e. on the supportsection 320.

The second blank 200 surrounds the support section and first and secondspacing sections 310 a, 310 b, 320. The second blank 200 extendslongitudinally over the support section 320 and at least one of thefirst and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b. The second blank 200 isattached to the support section. A part of the second blank alsocontacts at least one of the first and second spacing sections 310 a,310 b to support the support section 320 in a pre-determined radialposition relative to the first indexing surface 116. Thus, a layer (e.g.of second blank 200) overlies and contacts an exterior surface of atleast one of the first and second spacing sections 310 a, 310 b tosupport the support section 320 in a pre-determined radial positionrelative to the first indexing surface 116. The spacing section providesa spacing of two layers of the sheet material of the blank 300. In someaspects, the overlying layer is a tubular layer of sheet material. Forexample, a tubular layer surrounds and extends longitudinally over thesupport section 320 and rearward second spacing section 310 b only.

The layer providing the support can be the outer layer of the secondblank, i.e. outermost layer of the smoking article. The layer providingthe support can contact one or more further layers or sections which areaffixed to a spacing section. Thus, the section or layer supporting thesecond indexing surface can contact any suitable radial support, whichcan be in contact directly with a spacing section, contact with one ormore layers affixed to a spacing section, or one or more separate layersaffixed to a rod article, e.g. around the second filter section. In someexamples, the pawl support section 320 is movable circumferentiallywithin, and/or restrained longitudinally by, the spacing sections 310 a,310 b.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a second blank 200 configured to formpart of a smoking article having at least one of the functions statedabove. The blank 200 is dimensioned to be wrapped two times around oneor more rod articles, to form a first (outer) layer 240 and a second(inner) layer 230. The blank 200 comprises a sheet material, inparticular, a single layer of sheet material. For example, the sheetmaterial is paper. The first outer layer 240 and second inner layer 230each extend around a complete circumference of the rod articles. Theblank 200 comprises an overlap section 211 extending circumferentiallybeyond the first layer 240 to overlap and connect (adhere) with thefirst layer, and secure the blank 200 as a tube. The second blank 200 isconfigured to wrap around rod article(s) already wrapped by the firstblank 300. The shaded areas of the blanks of any embodiment can indicatethe location of adhesive, although adhesive areas may differ from thoseshown.

The blank 200 comprises a plurality of sections which are part of thefirst part of the smoking article, and a plurality of sections which arepart of the second part of the smoking article. The first part isrotatable relative to the second part to control a property of thesmoking article, e.g. ventilation.

On the first (outer) layer 240, a first section 213 is a part of thefirst part. A second section 214 is part of the second part. On thesecond (inner) layer 230, a third section 233 and a fourth section 235is a part of the first part. A fifth section 234, a control element 250and a control element support section 236 are part of the second part.The functions of these sections will now be described. Alternatively,the second blank 200 can be considered as comprising a first part havingthe first section 213, third section 233 and fourth section 235. Thesecond part comprises the second section 214, fifth section 234 andcontrol element support section 236. All the sections are initiallyconnected on the single blank 200. The blank 200 can be wrapped as aunit two times around the rod articles. In some aspects, the blank 200comprises frangible connections to separate sections and allow movement.Sections not separated can remain integral. Each section extends arounda whole circumference of the rod articles.

The inner layer and outer layer are wrapped sequentially. In particular,the area of the blank for forming the inner layer is wrapped around thewhole circumference of the smoking article, i.e. around the rodarticles. The outer layer is integrally formed as part of the sameblank, and follows the inner layer. The outer layer is wrapped aroundthe whole circumference. In some aspects, a further extent of blankoverlaps with the outer layer, to secure the outer layer as a tube. Insome aspects, an overlap also secures the inner layer as a tube. Thewrapping of the blank is continuous.

Sections of the second (inner) layer 230 surround and are attached tothe rod articles of the first part, e.g. tobacco rod and filter section,e.g. wrapped by the first blank 300. The second (inner) layer 230surrounds and is attached to the rod articles of the second part e.g.second filter section. For example, the fifth section 234 is attached tothe second filter section 114, either directly or through one or moreseparate spacing layers.

The third section 233, fourth section 235 and control element supportsection 236 are located around the rod articles of the first part. Forexample, all these sections 233,235,236 are located around the firstfilter section. The third section 233 and fourth section 235 areattached to the rod article of the first part, and move with the firstfilter section. The third section 233 is affixed to the exterior of theforward spacing section 310 a. The fourth section 235 is affixed to therearward spacing section 310 b. As such, the fourth section 235 providesa spacing layer, and in some examples, an exterior of the fourth sectionprovides a contact surface used to support the radial position of thesecond section. In some aspects, the width of the fourth section issubstantially the same as (or less than) the second spacing section 310b.

The control element support section 236 is movable around the rodarticles of the first part. In particular, the control element supportsection 236 is moveable circumferentially around the first filtersection 112 and/or first indexing surface 116. In some aspects, thecontrol element support section 236 is affixed to the pawl supportsection 320 on the first blank. Thus, movement of the control elementsupport section 236 is indexed.

The first section 213 is affixed to the underlying third section 233.The second section 214 is affixed to the underlying control elementsupport section 236 over an area 214 a, and is affixed to the underlyingfifth section 234 over an area 214 c. The second section 214 overliesthe fourth section 234 over an area 214 b, and is not affixed to thefourth section 234.

The second blank 200 is wrapped around the rod articles as a singlesheet. All of the sections of the second blank 200 are initiallyattached to each other, and are separable as described with frangibleconnections. In some aspects, the second blank 200 comprises a singlesheet to which frangible connections are formed to define the differentsections. The sections which are not separable by a frangibleconnection, or cut-out, are considered to remain integrally formed.Thus, the first and third sections 213,233 are integral, and can beconsidered as a single two-layer wrap. Similarly, the control elementsupport section 236, second section 214 and fifth section 234 areintegral, and can be considered as a single two-layer wrap. The controlelement support section 236 is initially integrally formed with an outerlayer, which is wrapped continuously around the control element supportsection 236.

The second blank 200 comprises sections which are engagable to limitmovement between the first and second parts of the smoking article. Insome aspects, the third section 233 and control element support section236 are configured to engage to limit the range of rotation between thefirst and second parts of the smoking article.

One of the third section and control element support section defines thecontrol element, or tab, 250. In this example, the control element 250is a part of the control element support section 236. The controlelement 250 is a portion of the blank which extends longitudinallybeyond an adjacent part of the section defining the control element. Forexample, the control element 250 is an integral part of the controlelement support section 236 of the blank 200. The control element 250 isin the same radial layer as the control element support section 236 ofthe blank 200. The control element support section 236 extends aroundthe whole circumference of the smoking article or rod articles. Thecontrol element support section 236 is a tube, e.g. a cylindrical tube.The control element support section 236 can be considered as having oneor two layers extending around the rod articles. Any of these featuresis applicable to any embodiment.

In some aspects, the control element 250 defines a longitudinallyextreme area of the section on which it is formed. In some aspects, thecontrol element 250 is a longitudinally extreme (forward) part of theblank 200 which is part of the second part of the smoking article. Thecontrol element extends longitudinally beyond a remainder of the controlelement support section 236. The support section to which the controlelement is attached extends circumferentially beyond the control element250. In some examples, the support section extends circumferentiallybeyond the control element on one longitudinal side only of the controlelement.

The control element 250 is movable circumferentially within a limitedrange. The control element 250 is movable between a first engagingsurface 233 a and a second engaging surface 233 b. The first engagingsurface 233 a and second engaging surface 233 b define acircumferentially extending channel 239 in which the control element 250is movable. A part of the channel 239 is configured to allow ventilatingair to pass therethrough. Thus, part of the circumferential extent ofthe channel 239 can be considered as a ventilation aperture.

The channel 239 is open along a longitudinal edge. In particular, thelongitudinal edge of the channel 239 facing the control element 250 isopen. This longitudinal edge extends substantially circumferentially.The channel 239 defines a longitudinal extreme or boundary of thesection defining the channel 239. The first engaging surface 233 a andthe second engaging surface 233 b are defined by a section of the blank200 which is part of the other of the first or second part of the blankfrom the control element. The first engaging surface 233 a and thesecond engaging surface 233 b extend substantially longitudinally.

A single blank comprises the tab and a section defining the first andsecond engaging surfaces. In particular, a same layer of the same blankcomprises the tab and a section defining the first and second engagingsurfaces. The blank is arranged to frangibly separate or be cut to allowmovement of the tab between the first and second engaging surfaces.

The control element 250 defines first and second limiting surfaces 253a, 253 b at the edges of the control element in the axis of movement,i.e. at the circumferential edge of the control element 250. Contact ofthe first and second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b of the controlelement 250 between the first engaging surface 233 a and the secondengaging surface 233 b limits relative rotation between the first andsecond parts. The rotation of the first part to the second partdetermines ventilation of the smoking article. In some aspects, theallowed range of rotation corresponds to a variation between a minimumand maximum ventilation level.

The first and second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b of the controlelement 250 extend substantially longitudinally. In some examples, thefirst and second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b of the control element250 extend longitudinally beyond the section to which the controlelement attached. The first and second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b ofthe control element 250 are circumferentially positioned within thecircumferential extent of the remainder of the section defining thecontrol element. For example, the remainder of the section (controlelement support section 236) defining the control element extends aroundthe whole circumference of the rod articles. The control element extendsover only a part of the circumference. The control element 250 extendsover only a relatively small proportion of the circumference of thesmoking article. For example, the control element 250 extends over lessthan half the circumference. The control element 250 and the spacing ofthe first and second engaging surfaces 233 a, 233 b can be dimensionedto limit rotational movement to between 90 and 180 degrees, and inparticular, to between 110 and 140 degrees, and more particularly, toapproximately 120 degrees.

The first limiting surface 253 a of the control element 250 and thefirst engaging surface 233 a extend parallel to each other, and/or arecomplementary in shape. In some aspects, the second limiting surface 253b of the control element 250 and the second engaging surface 233 bextend parallel to each other, and/or are complementary in shape. Forexample, the first and second limiting surfaces and the first and secondengaging surfaces extend substantially longitudinally.

The control element 250 has a further function in controlling theventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control element250 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article byselectively covering or dosing one or more ventilation areas. Thecontrol element 250 is configured to be movable into alignment with oneor more ventilation areas in a radially adjacent part of the smokingarticle. The control element 250 is formed of a material which issubstantially impermeable to air, in particular, paper which is notpermeable to air. The control element 250 is configured to cover the oneor more ventilation areas of the smoking areas, such that ventilationair cannot enter the smoking article through an area which is covered bythe control element 250. The control element is impermeable to airbetween the first and second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b. The firstand second limiting surfaces 253 a, 253 b define both the limits ofrotation and define the amount of ventilation area which is covered oruncovered. The area of ventilation area covered by the control element250 is variable and determines the ventilation.

Thus, the control element 250 has the dual function of both directlycontrolling a level of ventilation by covering one or more ventilationapertures and limiting movement of the control element to apre-determinded range, e.g. between maximum and minimum levels ofventilation.

The wrapped second blank 200 provides a connection between the secondfilter section 114 and the first filter section 112. This connectionconnects the second indexing surface (e.g. pawl 304) with the secondfilter section 114. The second indexing surface 304, second filtersection 114, and second part of the smoking article, are movablecircumferentially, and restrained longitudinally. In some examples, thelongitudinal restraint is to a single longitudinal position, relative tothe first part of the smoking article. In particular, the outer layer ofthe second blank 200 provides this connection. The outer layer of sheetmaterial providing this connection surrounds, but does not itselfprovide, an indexing mechanism and/or rotation limitation mechanism.

The connection by the second blank 200 of the second filter section 114to the first part of the smoking article comprises the fifth section234, second section 214 and control element support section 236. Thefifth section 234 is attached to the second filter section 114. Thecontrol element support section 236 is attached to the pawl supportsection 320 and/or is located forwardly of the fourth section 235. Theblank 200 connects the second filter section 114 to control elementsupport section 236. In particular, the outer layer of the blank 200(i.e. second section 214) provides the connection, e.g. between thefifth section 234 and control element support section 236. The blank 200provides an integral tube of material connecting the second filtersection 114 to a contacting surface arranged to limit longitudinalmovement, e.g. rearward movement of the second filter section 114 awayfrom the first filter section. The contacting surface can substantiallyprevent longitudinal movement between the first and second parts of thesmoking article in a single direction.

The connecting tube comprises two radial layers (i.e. two layers aroundthe whole circumference) at a forward and rearward end, connected by asingle layer. The connecting tube is integrally formed, e.g. from asingle sheet of material. The fifth section 234, second section andcontrol element support section 236 are integrally formed. Thus, asecure connection of the second filter section is provided.

The rearward area of the outer layer of the second blank 200 (secondsection 214) extends over, and is not affixed to, the rearward spacingsection 310 b of the first blank 300. As is also applicable to otherembodiments, the outermost layer 240 of the blanks wrapped around therod articles provides the only connection between the first and secondfilter sections. The attachment of the outermost layer to the firstfilter section is through a section (e.g. the pawl support section 320)which is restrained by an adjacent, separable, part (fourth section 235)of the blank in a longitudinal direction. These features can also bepresent, optionally in a modified form, in other embodiments of theinvention.

In the example of FIG. 3, the blank 200 comprises one or moreventilation areas 270. In particular, a ventilation area 270 is formedin a part of the blank 200 for forming a different layer to the controlelement 250. In some aspects, the first (outer) layer 240 comprises theventilation area 270 and the second (inner) layer 230 comprises thecontrol element 250.

The control element 250 and ventilation area 270 are on adjacent layers.The channel 239 and ventilation aperture 270 are defined on separate(adjacent) layers of the smoking article, and are fixed relatively toeach other. The control element 250 is movable relative to both thelayer defining the channel and to the layer defining one or moreventilation area 270. The control element 250 is movable within thechannel, and the control element 250 and so the control element is notmerely any part of the layer defining the channel. The amount of area ofthe ventilation area 270 which is covered/uncovered directly by thecontrol element is the only factor in determining the variation ofventilation area of the smoking article. In particular, further parts ofthe smoking article, e.g. the section defining the channel in which thecontrol element is movable, are not configured to cover a ventilationarea in the present invention to control a level of ventilation. Theventilation area 270 and first and second engaging surfaces 233 a,233 bare defined by a plurality of integral layers of sheet material, e.g.two layers of the same sheet of material.

The ventilation area 270 is elongate, extending in a direction in whichthe control element 250 is movable, i.e. circumferentially. Theventilation area 270 has a length which is shorter than a length of thechannel 239. In some examples, the length of the ventilation area 270 issubstantially the same as the length (i.e. in a circumferentialdirection) of travel of the control element 250 within the channel 239.This allows the control element 250 to be movable only between anextreme position in which the ventilation area 270 is fully covered(minimum ventilation, control element 250 contacting the first engagingsurface 233 a) and a further extreme position in which the ventilationarea 270 is fully open (maximum ventilation, control element 250contacting the second engaging surface 233 b). The approximateequivalence of length of travel of the control element 250 andventilation area 270 means that any movement of the control element 250within the channel 239 (i.e. of the first part of the smoking articlerelative to the second part of the smoking article) changes theventilation of the smoking article. A variation of the position of thecontrol element directly varies ventilation across at least a majorityof the distance between the first and second engaging surfaces. In someexamples, a variation of the position of the control element directlyvaries ventilation across substantially a whole distance between thefirst and second engaging surfaces. Thus, the ventilation varies withthe position of the control element.

The ventilation area 270 is shown as a single ventilation area.Alternatively, the ventilation area 270 comprises a plurality ofapertures, in particular, a plurality of apertures in a direction ofmovement of the control element 250. The ventilation area 270 comprisesa plurality of separate apertures in a circumferential direction. Insome aspects, the ventilation area 270 further comprises a plurality ofapertures in a longitudinal direction. The ventilation area 270comprises a grid or array of apertures. For example, the apertures areformed by electroperforation (EP).

For a single aperture, the control element 250 covering a part of theaperture substantially limits ventilating air to the uncovered area.However, in some circumstances some ventilating air can travelcircumferentially within the ventilation aperture, increasing theventilation. The plurality of apertures isolates air flow through theventilation area to flow in each ventilation aperture separately.Therefore, covering of one or more apertures can more effectively limitair flow to only the uncovered area.

In some aspects, the control element 250 is arranged to selectivelycover at least one ventilation area. In some examples, the ventilationarea comprises a plurality of apertures in a direction of movement ofthe control element 250. The ventilation area can be formed as part ofthe same blank, a separate (e.g. inner) blank wrapped around a rodarticle (e.g. on blank 300) or on an a separate outer wrap surroundingthe control element. In particular, the control element 250 is movableto cover a plurality of radially spaced and at least partially alignedventilation apertures. At least one of the radially spaced ventilationapertures comprises comprising a plurality of apertures in a directionof movement of the control element 250.

The second blank 200 does not directly define the first or secondindexing surface. The first indexing surface is defined on the firstfilter section, for example as described above. The second indexingsurface is defined on an annular layer extending around the firstindexing section, for example as described above. The blank 200 isconfigured to connect with the second indexing section. In particular,the control element support section 236 is configured to connect with anexterior of the unit defining the second indexing section. For example,the control element support section 236 is attached with adhesive to anexterior of the second indexing section unit. The section defining thecontrol element is also attached to a part of the inner wrap 300defining the second indexing surface 304. In one aspect, the controlelement 250 is also defined by the control element support section 236,such that the section of the blank defining the control element 250 isdirectly affixed to the support section 320. The control element 250 isconnected to the indexing mechanism such that movement of the controlelement between the engaging surfaces 233 a, 233 b is in a plurality ofdiscrete steps, corresponding to discrete ventilation levels.

The fourth section 235 is attached to a rod article of the first part,e.g. the first filler section 112. The first part of the smoking articlecomprises the fourth section 235. The fourth section 235 is separable,or separate, from the adjacent sections 234,236 on the inner layer ofthe second blank 200. For example, the second blank 200 comprises afrangible connection of the fourth section 235 to the remainder of theblank 200, e.g. perforations 225 around the fourth section. In someexamples, the fourth section 235 also has a frangible connection to thecorresponding section on the outer layer, i.e. section 214 c. Thefrangible connections are configured to be broken on first rotationbetween the first and second sections.

In any embodiment, the smoking article is configured to limit or preventlongitudinal movement between the rotationally movable parts of thesmoking article, e.g. the control element and engaging surfaces. Thewrapped blank is arranged to define contacting surfaces which limit orprevent longitudinal movement. In some aspects, the contacting surfaceslimit movement in a direction in which the first and second filtersections are urged apart. The direction can alternatively be defined asthe first and second parts of the smoking article are moved apart, or arearward part urged rearwardly. In some examples, different contactingsurfaces limit or prevent longitudinal movement in the oppositedirection.

In some aspects, the contacting surfaces extend substantiallycircumferentially. In some examples, the contacting surfaces extendaround the whole circumference of the smoking article. This large extentof the contacting surfaces ensures that longitudinal separation of themovable parts of the smoking article is difficult or does not occur.

One of the contacting surfaces configured to limit or preventlongitudinal movement can be defined by the control element supportsection, in any embodiment. For example, the contacting surface can beon an opposite longitudinal side of the control element support sectionto the control element. In some aspects, the contacting surface is anannular or raised edge, for example, provided by a wrapped tubular sheetmaterial. The contacting surface extends radially and circumferentially.Thus, the arrangement of the control element support section and controlelement (e.g. which are integral and in the same radial layer), providesfor limiting both longitudinal and rotational movement, and directlydetermining ventilation.

In some aspects, the fourth section 235 is located between two sectionsof the second part, and the aligned section 214 c on the outer layer isalso part of the second part. The sections of the second partsurrounding the fourth section substantially prevent the second partfrom moving longitudinally relative to the first part. The sections ofthe second part 234,214,236 extend over and into the same radial layeras the tubular raised edge of the fourth section 235. In particular,contact between the control element support section 236 and fourthsection 235 prevents the second part from moving longitudinallyrearwardly relative to the first part. Contact between the fifth section234 and fourth section 235 prevents the second part from movinglongitudinally forwardly relative to the first part. The contact of thefourth section 234 with the adjacent sections 235,236 is withcircumferentially extending edges, such that relative circumferentialmovement is possible.

In a further aspect, the pawl support section 320 provides one or morecontacting surfaces configured to prevent or limit longitudinal movementbetween the first and second parts of the smoking article. Thecircumferentially extending edges of the pawl support section 320 andfirst and/or second spacing sections 310 a,310 b can engage to preventlongitudinal movement.

The sections of the second blank 200 defining the first part of thesmoking article are frangibly attached to sections of the blank 200defining the second part of the smoking article. In particular, thecontrol element support section 236 is frangibly attached to the thirdsection 233 by a frangible connection 226 on the inner layer. A part ofthe frangible connection 226 a initially connects the control element250 to the adjacent section, i.e. third section 233. The second section214 a is frangibly attached to the first section 213 by a frangibleconnection 228 extending onto the outer layer 240 of the blank 200, andconnecting with the connection 226. The frangible connections 226,228are substantially aligned with each other. Both frangible connections226,228 extend substantially circumferentially at the same longitudinalposition. For example, any of the frangible connections on the blank cancomprise a plurality of perforations extending between the sectionswhich are operable to move relative to each other in use.

The shaded areas shown are arranged to connect with a radially adjacentsurface, on a radially inner side of the shaded area. The adjacentsurface can be an inner layer of sheet material, for example, thesection 214 a is connected to section 236. The adjacent section can be arod article, for example fifth section 234 is connected to second filtersection (or a spacer wrapped only around the second filter section). Insome aspects, the rod articles are wrapped with one or more layers ofsheet material (not shown) within the second blank 200, e.g. the firstblank 300, and to which the blank 200 is attached. The connection can beby an adhesive. In particular, the second blank 200 is coated with anadhesive prior to wrapping around the rod articles.

In some examples, the first blank 300 wraps around only the first filtersection 112. An exterior of the wrapped first blank 300 is a cylinder ofsubstantially uniform diameter over the longitudinal extent of thewrapped first blank 300.

The uniform diameter (e.g. of a spacing section) provides asubstantially smooth surface over which the control element 250 of thesecond blank 200 is movable. For example, one of the spacing sectionsprovides a smooth, e.g. cylindrical, exterior surface over which thecontrol element 250 can rotate. The control element 250 is movableunderneath the outer layer of the blank 200. The exterior of the wrappedblank 200 can have substantially the same diameter as the further rodarticles 110 on which the blank 200 is wrapped. In particular, thesecond filler section 114 and/or tobacco rod 111 can be dimensioned, orcan be overwrapped with one or more layers of sheet material, to havethe same external diameter as the wrapped first filter section 112. Thesubstantially equal diameters of the rod articles allow wrapping andattachment of the blank 200.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the first blank 300 comprises onlythe first and second spacing sections 310 a,310 b. The first and secondspacing sections 310 a, 310 b are not connected by a support section,and are separate sections of sheet material, wrapped around the rodarticle no in the same location as described in FIG. 2. The first andsecond spacing sections 310 a, 310 b can be configured to wrap oncearound the rod articles to form a single spacing layer, or configured towrap two times around the rod articles to form two spacing layers. Theinner layer and outer layer are wrapped sequentially. In particular, thearea of the blank for forming the inner layer is wrapped around thewhole circumference of the smoking article, i.e. around the rodarticles. The outer layer is integrally formed as part of the sameblank, and follows the inner layer. The outer layer is wrapped aroundthe whole circumference. In some aspects, a further extent of blankoverlaps with the outer layer, to secure the outer layer as a tube. Insome aspects, an overlap also secures the inner layer as a tube. Thewrapping of the blank is continuous.

The pawl support unit 306 comprising the pawl 304 is attached to thesecond blank 200. In particular, the pawl support unit 306 is attachedto a section of the second blank 200 defining the control element (asdescribed below). The pawl 304 has the same function as described aboveof extending between the spacing sections 310 to engage with the firstindexing surface.

The plurality of layers around the rod articles can be considered asdivided into sections. The sections generally form a part of either thefirst part or the second part of the smoking article. In some aspects,one or more sections are not attached to either the first or secondpart, where the rotational position of such a section does not relate tothe determination of the property of the smoking article.

In some examples, in order to control the property of the smokingarticle, the smoking article can have at least one of the followingcharacteristics. The first part and second part each extend over anexternal surface of the smoking article.

This allows a user to grip both the first and second parts, and generaterelative movement between the first and second parts, e.g. a relativerotation. The first and second indexing surfaces are configured toengage to provide indexing movement. This feature is optional, and theproperty of the smoking article can be controlled without requiringindexing.

The fourth section 235 as described is optional. In particular, thefunction of preventing longitudinal movement provided by the fourthsection 235 can instead, or only, be provided by the support section 320movable only circumferentially between the spacing sections 310 a, 310b. The blank 200 comprises a plurality of layers defining a first partof the smoking article in a forward area, and a second part of thesmoking article in a rearward area.

FIG. 4 shows a second example of a blank 400. The blank 400 issubstantially the same as the blank 200, and equivalent parts have beenlabelled the same. The blank 400 is also configured to be wrapped aroundthe blank 300, and around one or more rod articles 110 of a smokingarticle.

The blank 400 differs from the blank 200 in the location of thefrangible connection between the first and second parts. In particular,in the blank 400 the frangible connection between the first and secondparts on the inner layer of the blank (when wrapped) is not aligned withthe frangible connection between the first and second parts on the outerlayer of the blank (when wrapped). The interface between first andsecond parts of the smoking article is spaced apart in the plurality oflayers.

In particular, the control element support section 236 is frangiblyattached to the third section 233 by a frangible connection 426 on theinner layer. A part of the frangible connection 426 a initially connectsthe control element 250 to the adjacent section, i.e. third section 233.In the example shown, the frangible connection 426 extends on bothcircumferential sides of the control element 250. Alternatively, thecontrol element 250 is at a circumferential end of the inner layer 230initially, such that the frangible connection 426 extends in only asingle connection from the control element 250.

The second section 214 is frangibly attached to the first section 213 bya frangible connection 428 extending onto the outer layer 240 of theblank 200, and connecting with the connection 426. For example, thefrangible connections comprise a plurality of perforations extendingcircumferentially between the sections such that the blank is configuredto preferentially tear along the perforations, and allow the sections tomove relatively to each other in use.

The frangible connections of the inner and outer layers 426,428 areoffset from each other in a longitudinal direction. In particular, thefrangible connections 426, 428 are not substantially aligned with eachother. Both frangible connections 426,428 extend substantiallycircumferentially at different longitudinal positions. The frangibleconnection 426 a extends circumferentially at a further differentlongitudinal position. The frangible connections 426,428 are connectedby a longitudinal extending frangible connection 429. Thus, a forwardand rearward part of the blank 400, on both inner and outer layers, aremovable relative to each other when the frangible connections 426,426a,428,429 are broken on application of a force to change ventilation forthe first time. The interface between the forward and rearward part ofthe blank 400 is longitudinally spaced apart on the inner and outertubular layers provided by wrapping the blank 400.

The different locations of the frangible connections 426,428 (orinterface between first and second parts of the smoking article) meansthat air cannot be drawn into the smoking article directly radiallythrough aligned gaps between the sections of the blank 400 at thefrangible connections. Instead, air entering through such gaps must alsobe drawn longitudinally. Thus, the amount of air drawn into the smokingthrough such gaps is reduced, improving control of the level ofventilation using the defined ventilation apertures.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a blank 500. A smoking articlecomprising the blank 500 has substantially the same functions asdescribed above. Features have the same arrangement and function unlessotherwise described.

The blank 500 is configured to wrap directly around one or more rodarticles of a smoking article, in particular, around only the firstfilter section 112. As described above, the first filter section 112defines a first indexing surface. The blank 500 is configured to definethree complete layers extending around the circumference of the firstfilter section, and comprises areas to define an inner layer: firstlayer 510; an intermediate layer: second layer 520; and an outer layer:third layer 530. The first, second and third layers 510,520,530 areintegrally formed on a single piece of sheet material, arranged to bewrapped three times around the circumference of a rod article. In someexamples, the blank 500 is overwrapped with a further separate layer,from a further blank 600, which is shown in FIG. 6. The blank 500 is analternate to both the first and second blanks 300,200 described withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The first layer 510 comprises first and second spacing sections 512 a,512 b. The first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b are configuredto directly attach to and circumscribe a rod article, in particular, thefirst filter section 112 defining the first indexing surface. The firstand second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b have the function of spacingthe first and second indexing surfaces at the correct radial distance toallow indexing. The first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b arelongitudinally spaced apart. The configuration of the first and secondspacing sections 512 a, 512 b is substantially the same as the second(inner) portions 311 b of the blank 300. A control element 550 isconfigured to directly overlie one of the spacing sections 512 a, 512 b.The control element is movable over the spacing section 512 a, thespacing section providing a substantially smooth exterior surface overwhich the control element is easily moved. The control element is spacedby the spacing section from the first filter section. The first fillersection defines the first indexing surface, and so does not provide asmooth surface for the control element.

One of the first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b, shown as thefirst spacing section 512 a, comprises a first ventilation area 570 inan inner layer 510. The first ventilation area 570 comprises a pluralityof apertures, in particular, a plurality of apertures in a direction ofmovement of the movable control element 550, i.e. a plurality ofseparate apertures in a circumferential direction. In some aspects, thefirst ventilation area 570 further comprises a plurality of apertures ina longitudinal direction. The first ventilation area 570 comprises agrid or array of apertures. For example, the apertures are formed byelectroperforation (EP).

The second layer 520 of the blank 500 comprises the control element 550,having the same function as the control element 250 described above. Inparticular, the control element 550 defines a longitudinally extremepart of the section on which it is formed. A section attached to thecontrol element 550 extends around the whole circumference of the rodarticles. The control element 550 is movable circumferentially within alimited range. The control element 550 is movable between a firstengaging surface 533 a and a second engaging surface 533 b. The firstengaging surface 533 a and second engaging surface 533 b define acircumferentially extending channel ₅₃₉ in which the control element 550is movable, as described above.

The control element 550 defines first and second limiting surfaces 553a, 553 b at the edges of the control element in the axis of movement,i.e. at the circumferential edge of the control element 550. Contact ofthe first and second limiting surfaces 553 a, 553 b of the controlelement 250 between the first engaging surface 553 a and the secondengaging surface 553 b (as shown) limits relative rotation between thefirst and second parts of the smoking article.

The control element 550 has a further function in controlling theventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control element550 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article byselectively covering one or more ventilation areas. The control element550 is configured to be movable over one or more ventilation areas in aradially adjacent, and integrally formed, part of the smoking article.The control element 550 is formed of a material which is substantiallyimpermeable to air, in particular, paper which is not permeable to air.The control element 550 is configured to cover the one or moreventilation areas of the smoking areas, such that ventilation air cannotenter the smoking article through an area which is covered by thecontrol element 550. The control element is impermeable to air betweenthe first and second limiting surfaces 553 a, 553 b. The first andsecond limiting surfaces 553 a, 553 b define both the limits of rotationand define the amount of ventilation area which is covered or uncovered.

Thus, the control element 550 has the dual function of both directlycontrolling a level of ventilation by covering a part of a ventilationarea and limiting relative movement of the first and second parts of thesmoking article between maximum and minimum levels of ventilation.

The control element 550 is formed on a support section 522 of the blank500. The control element extends longitudinally beyond a remainder ofthe control element support section 522 defining the second layer 520.The control element 550 defines the longitudinally extreme area of thesection to which the control element is attached. Thus, the first andsecond limiting surfaces 553 a, 553 b of the control element 550 extendlongitudinally beyond the section to which the control element attached.The control element support section 522 is a tube. The control elementis curved as a part of that tube.

The support section 522 further functions as a support for the secondindexing surface. In particular, the second indexing surface comprises apawl 304 formed on a pawl support unit 306, which is attached to thesupport section 522. The pawl 304 is configured to extend between thefirst and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b, and engage with thefirst indexing surface. The pawl and pawl support unit are substantiallyas described with respect to the blank 200. Thus, the second layer 520of the blank comprises both the control element 550 which directlycontrols ventilation and limits movement between a maximum and a minimumventilation, and also supports or comprises the second indexing surface.

The control element 550 and ventilation area 570 are on differentlayers, e.g. on initially connected areas. The channel 539 andventilation aperture 570 are defined on separate layers of the smokingarticle, and are fixed relatively to each other. The control element 550is movable relative to both the layer defining the channel and to thelayer defining one or more ventilation area 570. The control element 550is movable within the channel, and the control element 550 coveringventilation area 570 is not merely any part of the layer defining thechannel. The amount of area of the ventilation area which iscovered/uncovered directly by the control element is the only factor indetermining the variation of ventilation area of the smoking article. Inparticular, further parts of the smoking article, e.g. the sectiondefining the channel in which the control element is movable, are notconfigured to cover a ventilation area in the present invention tocontrol a level of ventilation.

The third layer 530 of the blank 500 comprises a second ventilation area572. The second ventilation area 572 is on one of the spacing sections512 a, 512 b, in particular, the same (first) spacing section as thefirst ventilation area 570. The second ventilation area 572 is a singleventilation area or aperture. The single ventilation area allows thecontrol element 550 to be clearly seen through the second ventilationarea 572, providing an indication to a user of the position of thecontrol element 550, and hence the level of ventilation. Alternatively,the second ventilation area 572 can comprise a plurality of ventilationapertures. The control element 550 can still be visible through aplurality of apertures. At least one of the first and second ventilationapertures 570,572 comprises a plurality of apertures to effectivelycontrol ventilation in response to a position of the control element550, as described above.

The movable control element 550 is located radially between the firstand second ventilation apertures 570,572. The first and secondventilation apertures 570,572 are at least partially aligned with each.In particular, the first and second ventilation apertures 570,572 havesubstantially the same extent in a direction of movement of the controlelement 550, i.e. circumferential extent. The first and secondventilation apertures 570,572 are substantially aligned with each other.Thus, the control element 550 is configured to simultaneously cover thefirst and second ventilation apertures 570,572 to control ventilation.Ventilating air passes radially directly through both the first andsecond ventilation apertures 570,572, and through the channel 539, overthe area not covered by the impermeable control element 550.

The third layer 530 of the blank 500 comprises the first and secondspacing sections 512 a, 512 b and the support section 522. Thus, thethird layer 530 has substantially the same arrangement as the secondlayer. The third layer 530 is arranged to overlie the control element530. In particular, the first or second spacing section 512 a, 512 bdefining the second ventilation aperture 572 overlies the controlelement 550.

The blank 500 comprises only the first and second spacing sections 512a, 512 b (extending over the first, second and third layers), and thesupport section 522 (extending over the second and third layers). Thefirst and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b and support section 522are configured to be movable to each other, to control ventilation. Inparticular, the support section 522 is rotatable between thelongitudinally spaced first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b. Assuch, the support section 522 is limited from longitudinal movement byengagement with the first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b. Thesupport section 522 and first and/or second spacing sections 512 a, 512b can be considered as having contacting surfaces configured to limit orprevent longitudinal movement when wrapped. The contacting surfaces canfunction substantially as described above.

The first and second spacing sections 512 and support section 522 areinitially connected by a first and second frangible connection 526,528extending over the second and third layers. The frangible connections526, 528 are substantially as described above, e.g. circumferentiallyextending line of perforations. The connection 526 comprises a part 526a where the control element 550 is frangibly attached to a spacingsection 512 a.

A smoking article comprising first, second and third layers from theblank 500 can also comprise a further blank 600, as shown in detail inFIG. 6. The blank 600 is configured to overwrap the layers formed by theblank 500 already wrapped on the rod articles 110.

FIG. 6 shows the blank 600 comprises a sheet material dimensioned toform a single layer, being the outer layer of the smoking article. Theblank 600 is dimensioned to extend longitudinally around the firstfilter section 112, second filler section 114 and optionally also thetobacco rod 111. In some examples, the blank 600 connects the firstfilter section 112 and tobacco rod. The blank 600 connects the secondfilter section 114 to the first filter section, whilst allowing relativemovement between the filter sections 112, 114. The blank 600 isconfigured to allow the selection of ventilation as described above, anddoes not affect the selection of the ventilation. In some examples, theblank provides a base level of ventilation into the smoking article.

The blank 600 is configured to form a tube, extending around the wholecircumference of the smoking articles. The blank 600 comprises aventilation area 670 extending at least over the area of the first andsecond ventilation area 570,572 of the blank 500. The ventilation area670 can extend over at least the length of the channel 539 in which thecontrol element 550 is movable. In particular the ventilation area 670extends around the whole circumference of the blank 600. Thus, thechange of ventilation of the smoking article is independent of theventilation area 670. In some examples, the section of the blank 600defining the ventilation area 670 is movable with the control element550, and so is movable around the first and second ventilationapertures. The ventilation area 670 is at least long enough to extendover the whole circumferential length of the first and secondventilation apertures 570,572 over the whole length of movement of thecontrol element 550.

The blank 600 comprises a first section 611 arranged to connect to thesecond filler section 114. The first section 611 can have adhesiveapplied, to provide the attachment to the second filter section 114.

The blank 600 comprises a second section 612 overlying the secondspacing section 512 b. The second section 612 is not attached to thesecond spacing section 512 b, and has no adhesive applied around thewhole circumference in the area overlying the second spacing section 512b. Thus, the wrapped blank 600 is movable over the second spacingsection 512 b.

The blank 600 comprises a plurality of ventilation apertures 680providing a base level of ventilation, e.g. in the second section 612.The ventilation area provided by the ventilation apertures 680 issubstantially independent of the level of ventilation selected byrotation of the first and second parts of the smoking article. Theventilation apertures 680 extend around the whole circumference of theblank 600. The second spacing section 512 b underlying the ventilationapertures 680 has further ventilation apertures (shown as dashed line)or is formed of a porous material to allow base ventilating air into thesmoking article.

The blank 600 comprises a third section 613 overlying the supportsection 522 of the blank 500. The third section 613 is configured toattach to the support section 522, such that the third section 613 (andintegral parts of the blank 600) rotate with the second indexing surfaceand control element 550. For example, adhesive is applied to the thirdsection 613 prior to wrapping of the blank 600 around the blank 500 androd articles 110. Thus, the second filter section 114 is securely andmovably attached to the first part of the smoking article.

The third section 613 is attached to the support section 522, which isprevented from longitudinal movement (i.e. perpendicular to the indexingdirection) by the first and second spacing sections 512 a, 512 b. Thus,the blank 600 is also prevented from longitudinal movement when wrapped.

The first, second and third sections 611,612,613 of the blank 600 areintegrally formed, for example, as described for the second section 214of the blank 200. The blank 600 provides a connection between a mouthend rod article, e.g. the second filter section, and the second indexingsurface. The blank 600 couples the second filter section to the firstfilter section, and allows relative movement. The blank 600 provides anexterior surface of the smoking article which can be manipulated by auser to select ventilation. For example, the first, second and thirdsections 611,612,613 of the blank 600 provide a larger area than thesupport section 522 which can be gripped and turned relative to thefirst part of the smoking article, to control ventilation. In someaspects, the blank 600 provides a connection between the second filtersection and a contacting surface configured to prevent longitudinalmovement.

The blank 600 further comprises a fourth section 614 overlying the firstsupport section 512 a. The fourth section 614 is movable around thefirst spacing section 512 a, and is not attached to the fourth section614. The fourth section 614 defines the ventilation area 670.

The fourth section 614 provides a further area of the second part whichcan be gripped by a user. The fourth section 614 allows ventilationtherethrough (through the ventilation area 670), and is also movablerelative to the first and second ventilation areas 570,572. Across-section through the wrapped blanks 500,600 at the location of thefourth section 614 indicates four layers which alternate in attachmentto the first and second parts of the smoking article. Thus, all fourlayers are movable relative to an adjacent layer. In order from adjacentthe rod article 110, the wrapped layers are: first support section 512 a(first part), control element 550 (second part), first support section512 a (first part) and fourth section 614 (second part).

The blank 600 further comprises a frangible connection 626 configured toallow separation of the fourth section 614 of the blank 600 from afurther fifth section 615. The frangible connection 626 can be formed byperforations in the material of the blank 600, extendingcircumferentially.

The fifth section 615 overlies the first support section 512 a. Thefifth section 615 is configured to attach to the first support section512 a. For example, adhesive is applied to the fifth section 615 priorto wrapping of the blank 600 around the blank 500 and rod articles 110.Thus, once the frangible connection 626 is broken, the fifth section 615is movable with the first part of the smoking article, i.e. is affixedto the first indexing surface and/or first filter section.

The integral first, second, third and fourth sections 611,612,613,614define a tube which is maintained in a radial position by contact withone of the spacing sections (e.g. rearward spacing section 512 b). Thetube is attached to, and supports, the second indexing surface 304.Therefore, the radial position of second indexing surface 304 ismaintained.

The second part of the smoking articles comprises the first, second,third and fourth sections 611,612,613,614 of the blank 600.

Alternatively, the frangible connection can be between the third andfourth sections 613,614, and the fourth section 614 is a part of thefirst part of the smoking article.

The embodiment described is an example only of a smoking article havingan inner layer and an outer layer around one or more rod articles. Theinner and/or outer layers may be configured differently, with less ormore separation lines or adhesive areas. The outer wrap is at leastpartially arranged around the inner wrap, such that at least part of theinner wrap is radially within the outer wrap. The inner and outer wrapsare generally tubular, and in particular, cylindrical.

During manufacture, the blanks 200,300 or blanks 200,400 are eachwrapped twice around rod articles for forming one smoking article.Alternatively, the blank 500 is wrapped three times, followed by asingle wrap of the blank 600.

Alternatively, a blank comprising two (or more) of the features of blank200,300,400,500,600 are wrapped the appropriate number of times aroundrod articles for forming two (or more) smoking articles. The wrapping iscarried out substantially as described above. The rod article can be cutinto two (or more) separate sections, one for each smoking article.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the first blank 701 and the secondblank 700. The first and second blanks 701,700 are configured andfunction substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4, withthe following differences. Equivalent reference numerals indicate thesame parts. The second blank 700 includes longitudinally offsetfrangible connections 426,428, as described with respect to FIG. 4.However, the features of the second blank 700 are also applicable to ablank as described in FIGS. 1 to 4 without longitudinally offsetfrangible connections 426,428. The blanks 700,701 are configured to bewrapped around one or more rod articles to provide tubes have one ormore layers, and in particular, a plurality of layers.

The second blank 700 comprises material arranged to integrally extendover a an inner layer 730, an outer layer 740, and an overlap 711 tosecure the second blank as a tube when wrapped around the rod articles.

The second blank 700 comprises a control element 750, configured tocontrol ventilation and limit movement substantially as described abovefor the control element 250. The control element 750 defines first andsecond limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b at the edges of the controlelement in the direction of movement, i.e. at the circumferential edgeof the control element 750. The first and second limiting surfaces 753a, 753 b extend at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smokingarticle. The first and second limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b extend atan angle to the axis of movement of the control element. The first andsecond limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b can be considered as sloped. Thefirst and second limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b are substantiallystraight, i.e. extend at a constant angle. The angled edges continuouslyvaries in circumferential position with variation in longitudinalposition. The angled leading edge and/or trailing edge is angled to alongitudinal axis of the smoking article by an angle of between 10 and45 degrees, and optionally, between 15 and 35 degrees.

The first and second limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b are angled inopposite senses to the longitudinal axis. The first and second limitingsurfaces 753 a, 753 b are angled towards each other in a direction awayfrom the support section 736. A circumferential extent of the controlelement 750 distal from the attached section is smaller than acircumferential extent of the control element 750 proximal to theattached section. Alternatively, the first and second limiting surfaces753 a, 753 b can be curved. At least a part of the first and secondlimiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b is at an angle to the longitudinal axisof the smoking article when wrapped. Alternatively, the first and secondlimiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b are angled in the same sense to thelongitudinal axis, e.g. are substantially parallel.

The first and second engaging surfaces 733 a,733 b also extend at anangle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at anangle to the direction of movement of the control element. The first andsecond engaging surfaces 733 a,733 b extend at the same angle and/orhave a complementary shape to the first and second limiting surfaces 753a, 753 b.

The first blank 701 comprises a support section 720. The support section720 has substantially the same configuration and function as the supportsection 320 described with respect to FIG. 2. The support section 720 isattached to one or more (two as shown) spacing sections 710 withfrangible connections 725, namely, first and second spacing sections710. The support section 720 extends around at least one wholecircumference of the rod articles 110.

The support section 720 comprises a support section leading edge 721.The support section leading edge 721 defines the initial point of thesupport section 720 which is first wrapped around the rod articles 110.The leading edge 721 can be considered as a circumferential leadingedge, since the leading edge 721 is at a circumferential edge of thesection. The support section leading edge 721 extends at an angle to alongitudinal axis of the smoking article. The support section leadingedge 721 extends at an angle to the axis of movement of the controlelement. The support section leading edge 721 can be considered assloped. The support section leading edge 721 is substantially straight,i.e. extends at a constant angle. Alternatively, the support sectionleading edge 721 can be curved.

The first blank 701 comprises first and second spacing sections 710a,710 b, arranged with a similar configuration and function to the firstand second spacing sections described above. In some aspects, the secondspacing section 710 b comprises ventilation apertures 772 arranged toallow ventilating air as controlled by the control element 750 throughthe second spacing section 710 b.

The first blank 701 comprises a spacer connection 724 between the firstand second spacing sections 710 a,710 b. The spacer connection 724 is ata leading edge of the first blank 701, i.e. the point on the blank 701first wrapped around the rod articles 110. The spacer connection 724connects the leading edges of the first and second spacing sections 710a,710 b.

The spacer connection 724 is an integral connection between the firstand second spacing sections 710 a,710 b. The spacer connection 724 isformed of the same sheet material as the first and second spacingsections 710 a,710 b, and remainder of the first blank 701. The spacerconnection 724 extends in the longitudinal space between the first andsecond spacing sections 710 a,710 b. The spacer connection 724 connectssecond portions 711 b forming an inner layer of the blank 701, and doesnot extend to the first portions 711 a forming an outer layer of theblank 701. The spacer connection 724 extends across the space separatingthe first and second spacing sections 710 a,710 b in which the supportsection 720 (and pawl 340) is movable.

The spacer connection 724 and first and second sections 710 a,710 bprovide a continuous area of the sheet material, which extends the wholelength of the blank 701 in a direction of the longitudinal axis of thesmoking article when wrapped. The spacer connection 724 is configured tobe permanently and/or integrally attached to the spacing sections 710.In particular, there is no frangible connection between the spacerconnection 724 and spacing sections 710 a,710 b.

The spacer connection 724 and longitudinally adjacent areas of thespacing sections 710 are initially affixed to the rod articles to beginwrapping of the first blank 701, for example, with adhesive. The spacerconnection 724 provides for the blank 701 to have a single initial areaof attachment to the rod articles 110. The spacing sections 710 a,710 bare not affixed as independent elongate sections of sheet material,requiring separate attachment to the rod articles. Instead, a singlearea of the first blank 701 is attached to the rod articles, the singlearea extending across the whole longitudinal extent of the first blank701. Thus, the connection of the leading edges of the spacing sections710 a,710 b improves initial attachment of the first blank 701 to therod articles.

The leading edge of the first blank 701, defined by the spacerconnection 724 and first and second spacing sections 710 a,710 b,extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the smokingarticle. In particular, the leading edge of the first blank 701 is notangled as described for the support section leading edge 721. The spacerconnection 724 and first and second spacing sections 710 a,710 b areaffixed to the rod article(s), i.e. first filter section 112, at andadjacent to the leading edge. In some examples, the spacer connection724 and first and second spacing sections 710 a,710 b are also affixedto the rod article(s) around the whole circumference of the rod articleor full circumferential extent of the spacer connection 724.

The spacer connection 724 has a trailing edge 726 at a circumferentiallyopposite end of the spacer connection 724 to the leading edge. Thespacer connection trailing edge 726 extends between the first and secondspacing sections 710. The spacer connection trailing edge 726 extends atan angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The spacerconnection trailing edge 726 extends at an angle to the axis of movementof the control element. The spacer connection trailing edge 726 can beconsidered as sloped. The spacer connection trailing edge 726 issubstantially straight, i.e. extends at a constant angle. The spacerconnection trailing edge 726 is parallel and/or complementary to thesupport section leading edge 721. Alternatively, the spacer connectiontrailing edge 726 can be curved, or has any feature of the angledlimiting surfaces 753 a,753 b or support section leading edge 721described above. Alternatively, the spacer connection trailing edge 726can extend substantially longitudinally, i.e. is not angled.

The spacer connection trailing edge 726, support section leading edge721 and first and second spacing sections 710 define an aperture 722 inthe first blank 701. The aperture 722 provides a space into which thesupport section 720 is movable. The aperture 722 has a circumferentialextent which is greater than a circumferential extent of movement of thecontrol element 750. Thus, the spacer connection trailing edge 726 doesnot determine the range of movement of the control element 750.Alternatively, the aperture 722 has a circumferential extent which isequal to or less than a circumferential extent of movement of thecontrol element 750. Thus, the spacer connection trailing edge 726determines the range of movement of the control element 750, alone or inco-operation with the engaging surfaces 733 a,733 b.

Any of the described angled leading edge and/or a trailing edge extendsover a part only of the longitudinal extent of a blank of sheet materialwrapped around the rod articles. A section comprising an angled edge ofthe first or second part is configured to be rotatable relative to alongitudinally and/or radially adjacent section which is part of theother of the first or second part. A longitudinally adjacent section canrefer to the same radial layer, e.g. initially attached as the samelayer of the same blank.

Any section having an angled leading edge and/or a trailing edge cancomprise at least one frangible connection adjacent to the angled edge.The adjacent frangible connection can be immediately adjacent to theangled edge, such that the angled edge extends up to the frangibleconnection. In some aspects, the angled edge can extend up to thelongitudinal edge of the section defining the angled edge. In someexamples, the frangible connection extends circumferentially from atleast one longitudinal edge of the angled edge

In some aspects, the section of sheet material defining the leading edgeand/or a trailing edge is movable over an underlying area of the smokingarticle and/or movable over an underlying sheet material wrapped arounda rod article of the smoking article. In some examples, the section ofsheet material defining the leading edge and/or a trailing edge ismovable underneath an overlying sheet material wrapped around a rodarticle of the smoking article.

In some aspects, the section of sheet material adjacent the leading edgeand/or a trailing edge is not affixed to a radially adjacent, e.g. anunderlying or overlying, part of the smoking article

In some examples, the angled leading edge and/or a trailing edge iscircumferentially spaced from a leading edge of a blank comprising thesection defining the angled leading edge and/or a trailing edge. In someexamples, the angled leading edge and/or a trailing edge iscircumferentially spaced from a leading edge and/or trailing edge of alongitudinally adjacent section of blank. The circumferential spacing issuch that the angled edge is discretely spaced, such that there is acircumferential spacing (non-zero) between the angled edge and a leadingedge of the blank or section. In some examples, the angled leading edgedoes not extend up to a leading edge of the blank on which the anglededge is formed. The angled edge can be between a leading edge of theblank and a trailing edge of the blank. The angled edge is spaced from aleading edge of the blank and spaced from a trailing edge of the blank.Thus, the leading edge of a blank or a longitudinally adjacent sectionof blank, is wrapped prior to the angled leading edge and/or a trailingedge.

At least one edge on the first or second blank 701,700 has beendescribed as angled, in particular, the first and second limitingsurfaces 753 a, 753 b, first and second engaging surfaces 733 a,733 b,spacer connection trailing edge 726 and/or support section leading edge721. The angled edge(s) can be considered as extending helically (i.e.in a helix, or spiral) when wrapped around the rod article(s). Thus, theangled edges extend both longitudinally and circumferentially.

The angle of the edge can be advantageous in wrapping the sheet materialof the first or second blank 701,700 in an accurate tube (i.e.cylindrical tube) around the rod articles. In particular, the angle ofthe edge can prevent or reduce an extent to which the blank adjacent theedge has a cross-section which extends away from a tubular intent, i.e.a cylinder. For example, there is minimal tendency for the diameter ofthe wrapped blank to vary along the longitudinal axis. The diameter andcross-section of the wrapped blank are substantially constant. An angleof the edge provides an initial point of the edge which is wrappedbefore the remainder of the material defining the edge. As such, thematerial tends to follow the initial point, and wrap closely to theintended tubular (cylindrical) shape. This wrapping is of advantage whenthe material defining the edge is either adhering (e.g. with adhesive),or not adhering, to an underlying layer or rod article. The angled edgeis spaced from a leading edge of the blank.

For example, an extent to which the material of the blank extendsradially outwardly at an edge, between longitudinal extremes of theedge, can be reduced. In some aspects, the amount that the edge extendstowards a tangent to a curvature of the rod articles is reduced. Theangle of the edge is of particular advantage for edges which are notaffixed to an inner layer, for example, the support section leading edge721 or the first and second limiting surfaces 753 a, 753 b of thecontrol element. The angled edge is also of advantage when overwrappedby a further layer of sheet material. In particular, the angled edgeprovides for dose proximity of the angled edge to the cylindricalunderlying surface, which assists in allowing a dose proximity of theoverlying layer to a cylindrical shape.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the first blank 801 and the secondblank 800. The first and second blank 801,800 are configured andfunction substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, withthe following differences. Equivalent reference numerals indicate thesame parts.

The first blank 801 is configured to wrap three times around the rodarticles. The first blank 801 comprises a control element 850 movable ina channel 839, configured to control ventilation and limit movement asdescribed above. The control element 850 defines first and secondlimiting surfaces 853 a, 853 b at the edges of the control element inthe direction of movement, i.e. at the circumferential edge of thecontrol element 850. The first and second limiting surfaces 853 a, 853 bextend at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. Theangle of the first and second limiting surfaces 853 a, 853 b is asdescribed above with respect to the first and second limiting surfacesof FIG. 7.

The first and second engaging surfaces 833 a,833 b also extend at anangle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at anangle to the axis of movement of the control element. The first andsecond engaging surfaces 833 a,833 b extend at the same angle and/orhave a complementary shape to the first and second limiting surfaces 853a, 853 b. The angle of the first and second engaging surfaces 833 a,833b is as described above with respect to the first and second engagingsurfaces 733 a,733 b of FIG. 7.

The first blank 801 comprises a support section 820. The support section820 has substantially the same configuration and function as the supportsection 522 described with respect to FIG. 5. The support section 820 isattached to one or more (two as shown) spacing sections with frangibleconnections 825, namely, first and second spacing sections 810 a,810 b.The support section 820 extends around at least one whole circumferenceof the rod articles 110. In particular, the support section 820 extendstwo times around the whole circumference of the rod articles 110, on thesecond and third layers of the wrapping of the blank 801. The outer(third) layer of the support section comprises adhesive 828 from a line827, in order to affix to the middle (second) layer of the wrapping.

The support section 820 comprises a support section leading edge 821.The support section leading edge 821 defines the initial point of thesupport section 820 which is first wrapped around the rod articles 110.The support section leading edge 821 extends at an angle to alongitudinal axis of the smoking article. The angle and shape of thesupport section leading edge 821 are as described as with respect to thesupport section leading edge 721 of FIG. 7.

The first blank 801 comprises a spacer connection 824, connecting thefirst and second spacing sections 810 a,810 b. The spacer connection 824is adjacent a leading edge of the first blank 701, i.e. the point on theblank 701 first wrapped around the rod articles 110. The spacerconnection 824 is configured and functions in the same manner as thespacer connection 724 described with respect to FIG. 7.

The spacer connection 824 and longitudinally adjacent areas of thespacing sections 810 a,810 b are initially affixed to the rod articlesto begin wrapping of the first blank 801, for example, with adhesive.The spacer connection 824 provides for the blank 801 to have a singleinitial area of attachment to the rod articles 110. The spacing sections810 a,810 b are not affixed as independent elongate sections of sheetmaterial, requiring separate attachment to the rod articles. Thus, theconnection of the leading edges of the spacing sections 810 a,810 bimproves initial attachment of the first blank 801 to the rod articles.

The spacer connection 824 has a trailing edge 826 at a circumferentiallyopposite end of the spacer connection 824 to the leading edge. Thespacer connection trailing edge 826 extends between the first and secondspacing sections 810 a,810 b. The spacer connection trailing edge 826extends at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. Thespacer connection trailing edge 826 is shaped and configured asdescribed as described with respect to the spacer connection trailingedge 726 in FIG. 7.

The spacer connection trailing edge 826, support section leading edge821 and first and second spacing sections 810 a,810 b define an aperture822 in the first blank 801. The aperture 822 provides a space in whichthe support section 820 is movable.

In some examples, the aperture 822 has a circumferential extent which isgreater than a circumferential extent of movement of the control element850. Thus, the spacer connection trailing edge 826 does not determinethe range of movement of the control element 850.

The first blank 801 comprises a first and second ventilation area870,872 on the first and third layers of the blank. The first and secondventilation area 870,872 are configured the same, and provide the samefunction, as the ventilation areas 570,572 described with respect toFIG. 5.

The second blank Boo comprises a frangible connection 830 allowingseparation of the blank into a forward area 880 and a rearward area 882.

The forward area 880 comprises a third ventilation area 874. The thirdventilation area 874 is configured the same, and provides the samefunction, as the ventilation area 670 described with respect to FIG. 6.

The forward area 880 is arranged to attach to the first spacing section810 a. An area of the forward area 880 defining the third ventilationarea 874 and overlying the control element is not affixed to the firstblank. The rearward area 882 is affixed to the support section 820 andsecond filter section 114. The rearward area provides a connectionbetween the second filter section 114 and the first filler section. Theconnection includes the support section which is movablecircumferentially, and restrained longitudinally by the spacing sections810 a,810 b, such that the second filter section 114 has the same rangeof movement.

The rearward area 882 extends over, and is not affixed to, the secondspacing section 810 a. As also applicable to other embodiments, theoutermost layer Boo of the blanks wrapped around the rod articlesprovides the only connection between the first and second filtersections. The attachment of the outermost layer to the first filtersection is through a section (e.g. the support section 820) which isrestrained by an adjacent, separable, part of the blank in alongitudinal direction. In addition, the contact of the section to thesecond section with an exterior of a spacing section provides for radialpositioning of the first and second indexing surfaces. Features of thesecond blank Boo are applicable to the blank boo described with respectto FIG. 6, or to any related embodiment with a single wrap outer(second) blank, and vice versa. The terms “forward” and “rearward” todescribe areas of the second blank Boo can be reversed in an alternateembodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the first blank 901,901′ and thesecond blank 900. The first and second blanks 901,901′,900 areconfigured and function substantially as described with respect to FIGS.1 to 4, with the following differences. Equivalent reference numeralsindicate the same parts. The first and/or second blanks are eacharranged to wrap a plurality of times around the whole circumference ofthe rod articles. Thus, the smoking article comprises one or more tubeshaving a plurality of complete integrally attached layers (e.g. twolayers). The second blank 900 is shown as half of a blank 900′configured to manufacture two smoking articles. The blank 900′ isarranged to be cut along a line 960. The blank 900′ comprises two secondblanks 900. The two blanks 900 are configured to function substantiallythe same when wrapped around rod articles 110′ for the manufacture oftwo smoking articles.

Two separate first blanks 901,901′ are also shown, for attachment to therod articles 110′ and second blank 900′. In particular, the two firstblanks 901,901′ and rod articles 110′ are symmetrical about the cut line960.

A ventilation aperture 970 and/or a control element 950 on each secondblank 900 are arranged on the blank 900′ as shown, such that the initialdirection of movement and initial ventilation is the same on the twofinal smoking articles. For example, the arrangement of the ventilationaperture 970 and/or a control element 950 is asymmetric, e.g. asymmetricin reflection about the separation line 960. The shape and function ofthe ventilation aperture 970 and a control element 950 are substantiallyas described with respect to FIG. 7 or any other related embodiment,although arranged differently as will be described.

The rod articles 110′ comprise a double length second filter section114′, configured to be cut in half through cut line 960. The cutdouble-length filter section 114′ provides two second filter sections.The further rod articles comprise two first filter sections 112 and twotobacco rods, arranged symmetrically. Each first filler section 112 andtobacco rod is dimensioned for a single smoking article. The secondblank 900 and second filter section 114′ are cut after wrapping of thefirst and second blanks 901,900 around the rod articles 110′.

The first blank 901,901′ is substantially as described with respect toany of FIGS. 1 to 4 or FIG. 7. The first blank 901,901′ (or the secondblank) of any embodiment can comprise any feature(s) described in anyembodiment, independently of any other feature. For example, the firstblank 901,901′ comprises an angled leading edge 921,921′ on the supportsection 920 substantially as described with respect to the angledleading edge of the support section in FIG. 7. The angled leading edges921,921′ differ in the orientation of the angle to the longitudinalaxis. The magnitude of the angle from the longitudinal axis are thesame. The leading part of the angled leading edges 921,921′ are bothattached to the first spacing section 910 a. Alternatively, the leadingpart of the angled leading edges 921,921′ are both attached to thesecond spacing section 910 b, or to a different one of the first andsecond spacing sections 910 a,910 b, or extend parallel to thelongitudinal axis.

The first blank 901 comprises first and second spacing sections 910a,910 b which are unconnected at their leading edges, substantially asdescribed in FIG. 2. The first spacing section 910 a is defined aslongitudinally forward (in the finished smoking article) of the secondspacing section 910 b. Alternatively, the first and second spacingsections 910 a,910 b can be connected by a spacer connection, asdescribed in FIG. 7.

The second blank 900 comprises the control element 950. The controlelement 950 is moveable in a channel 939 and controls ventilation asdescribed with respect to the control element shown in FIG. 3 or 7. Thecontrol element 950 comprises first and second limiting surfaces 953 a,953 b at the edges of the control element in the axis of movement, i.e.at the circumferential edge of the control element 950, as describedabove. Contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 953 a, 953 b ofthe control element 950 between a first engaging surface 933 a (asshown) and a second engaging surface 933 b limits relative rotationbetween the first and second parts. The first and second engagingsurfaces 933 a,933 b and first and second limiting surfaces 953 a, 953 bare as described in any embodiment, and for example, can be angled asdescribed with respect to FIG. 7.

The second blank 900 is arranged to form a first layer and a secondlayer when wrapped a plurality of times around a whole circumference ofthe smoking article. The second blank 900 is wrapped two times aroundthe rod articles. The first layer and second layer are integrallyformed. Thus, a single blank provides two (or more) complete layers.

The control element 950 is part of (e.g. integral with) a controlelement support section 936. The control element support section 936 isarranged on the blank 900 as part of an inner layer 930 when wrappedaround the rod articles. The control element support section 936 extendsaround a whole circumference of the rod articles, for example, only onewhole circumference. The control element support section 936 is a tube,from which the control element 950 extends. The control element 950extends longitudinally from the tube, for example, in the same plane orradial layer as the tube.

An initially integral outer layer 940 of the blank 900 comprises anoverlying section 914. The overlying section 914 is configured tooverlie the control element 950. The overlying section 914 extendsaround the whole circumference of the smoking article, e.g. is a tube.The overlying section 914 allows the control element support section 936to move (i.e. rotate) underneath, to vary ventilation. The overlyingsection 914 is not affixed to the control element support section 936,e.g. is not provided with adhesive on an inner facing surface. Theoverlying section 914 is initially integral with the control element 950and control element support section 936, and is separable therefrom.

The overlying section 914 comprises a ventilation area 970 configured tocoincide with the control element 950 and/or channel 239. The controlelement 950 is movable to selectively cover a variable part (area) ofthe ventilation area 970. In some examples, the ventilation area 970comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation areas, for example, aplurality of discrete apertures spaced circumferentially. Theventilation area 970 is aligned with a ventilation area 972 on the rodarticles, for example, on the second filter section 114′ for eachsmoking article. In some aspects, it is more straightforward to form aventilation area 972 on the second filter section, rather than on thegrooves and ridges of the first filler section.

The single layer of the control element support section 936 around thecircumference is in contrast to the blank 200 described with respect toFIG. 3 in which the control element support section 236 is integralduring use with a section on the outer layer. The control elementsupport section 936 is otherwise similar to the control element supportsection 236, except as described, and features of the control elementsupport section 236 can also apply to the control element supportsection 936.

The control element support section 936 is attached to the first part ofthe smoking article. For example, the control element support section936 is affixed to one of the first and second spacing sections 910 a,910b. As a part of the first part of the smoking article, the controlelement support section 936 and control element is in a fixedrelationship with the first indexing surface on the rod article (firstfilter section) and/or source of smokable material. The second indexingsurface (pawl) is movable relative to the control element supportsection 936 and control element 950. Thus, the control element supportsection 936 and control element 950 are considered a part of the firstpart of the smoking article, movable relative to the second indexingsurface on the second part of the smoking article. Alternatively, thedefinitions of first part and second part can be reversed, such that thecontrol element is always on the second part of the smoking article.This is in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8, where the controlelement is connected, or moves together with, the second indexingsurface.

The control element 950 is on a longitudinally rearward side of thecontrol element support section 936. This in contrast to the embodimentsof FIGS. 2 to 8, where the control element is on a longitudinallyforward side of the control element support section. The embodiment ofFIG. 9 can be considered as an “inverted” arrangement.

The control element 950 is arranged to overlie a mouth end section orrod article of the smoking article. In particular, the control element950 is arranged to overlie a mouth end section or rod article which ismovable relative to the control element 950. The mouth end section canbe a rod article, in particular, the second filler section.Alternatively, the mouth end section can be a hollow tube. The hollowtube can be considered as an example of a rod article.

The control element support section 936 does not overlie the mouth endsection of the smoking article. Instead, the control element supportsection 936 overlies a relatively forward section or rod article, whichis movable relative to the mouth end section. The control elementsupport section 936 is attached to the underlying rod article. Thecontrol element support section 936 can be considered as a part of thespacing section. The integral control element support section 936 andcontrol element 950 extend over an interface between two underlyingsections or rod articles. The control element 950 allows ventilating airinto the rearward rod article, or mouth end rod article, e.g. which ismovable relative to the first part of source of smokable material. Thus,this arrangement allows a position of intake of ventilating air to arelatively rearward location. The control element 950 overlies thesecond filter section, and in some aspects, provides for control ofventilating air into the second filter section.

The blank 900 further comprises a connecting section 934 which extendslongitudinally forward and rearward of the control element supportsection 936. The connecting section 934 can be considered as extendingintegrally on both the inner and outer layers 930,940, forward andrearward of the control element support section 936. The overlyingsection 914 can be considered as part of the connecting section 934. Theconnecting section 934 is a part of the second part of the smokingarticle.

The blank 900 further comprises a forward section 941 which extendsintegrally over both the inner and outer layers. The forward section 941overlies and is attached to the first spacing section 910 a. The forwardsection 941 is a part of the first part of the smoking article. Theforward section 940 optionally has the function of connecting the firstfilter section 112 to the tobacco rod 111.

The control element support section 936 and control element 950 areattached to the connecting section 934 (and overlying section 914) by afrangible connection 926. The frangible connection 926 extendscircumferentially at two longitudinally spaced positions on eachlongitudinal side of the control element support section 936, and afurther longitudinally spaced position to define the control element950. The frangible connection 926 extends longitudinally to separablyconnect to the overlying section 914. The control element supportsection 936 and control element 950 is separable from the adjacent areasof the blank forming the inner layer, and the adjacent area of the blankforming the integral outer layer.

An interface between the first and second parts of the smoking articleis offset between the inner and outer layers 930,940. This can reduceleakage of air through the interface between the first and second parts.The forward section 941 is attached to the connecting section 934 by aninner frangible connection 928 a on an inner layer and an outerfrangible connection 928 b on an outer layer. The inner and outerfrangible connections 928 a,928 b extend circumferentially, and arelongitudinally offset.

In some examples, the inner layer and outer layer of an initiallyintegral blank are movable relative to each other. In some aspects, theinner layer and outer layer move apart at the frangible connectionseparating the inner layer and outer layer. In other aspects, the innerlayer and outer layer move together, with the outer layer riding overand around the inner layer. In some examples, a cut-out can be provided,such that the inner layer is moveable into the cut-out. This avoids theneed for the outer layer to move radially outwardly over an edge definedby the frangible connection of the inner layer. Any embodiment cancomprise a cut-out at an interface between a section on the inner layermovable relative to a corresponding section on the outer layer.

The connecting section 934 is arranged to attach to the second indexingsurface 304. In some aspects, the connecting section 934 is affixed tothe support section 920 on the first blank 901,901′ supporting thesecond indexing surface 304. The connecting section 934 also defines thefirst and second engaging surfaces 933 a,933 b The connection to thesupport section 920 and first and second engaging surfaces 933 a,933 bare on opposite longitudinal sides of the control element supportsection 936.

The connecting section 934 also surrounds and attaches to the secondfilter section 114′. The connecting section 934 provides a connectionbetween the second filter section and first part of the smoking article(e.g. first filter section). The connection allows relative rotationalbut not longitudinal movement. The connecting section 934 provides aconnection to the second filter section which is only through anoutermost layer of the first and second blanks 901,900.

The connecting section 934 and overlying section 914 define an outermouth end part of the smoking article. Rotation of this outer mouth endpart relative to the tobacco rod effects movement between the first andsecond parts of the smoking article. In particular, the second filtersection, connecting section 934, support section 920 and second indexingsurface rotate together. Thus, the first and second engaging surfaces933 a,933 b and ventilation area 970 rotate together with the secondfilter section. The second indexing section indexes with the firstindexing surface on the first filter section. The control element 950remains in the fixed relation with the tobacco rod, and so relative tothe tobacco rod, the first and second engaging surfaces 933 a,933 b andventilation area 970 rotate relative to a stationary control element950.

The connecting section 934 and overlying section 914 are integral andcan be considered as a single section overlying at least one spacingsection and configured to support the second indexing surface in apre-determined radial position (i.e. a constant position, partiallyspaced apart) relative to the first indexing surface. In particular, theconnecting section 934 and overlying section 914 support the secondindexing surface adjacent and longitudinally of at least one spacingsection. The overlying section 914 contacts an exterior surface of thecontrol element support section 936, which is affixed to the secondspacing section 910 b. Thus, the control element support section 936 hasa spacing function, and can be considered as a further part of thesecond spacing section 910 b. The contact of the overlying section 914with the control element support section maintains the overlying section914 at a constant, or minimum, radial position, maintaining a minimumseparation of the first and second indexing surfaces.

A further function of the control element support section 936 is toprovide one or more contacting surfaces arranged to limit or preventlongitudinal movement between the first and second parts of the smokingarticle. The contacting surface is a circumferentially extending raisededge on a forward side of the control element support section 936. Theraised edge is the thickness of the sheet material forming the blank900. The contacting surface extends around the whole circumference ofthe smoking article. The contacting surface preventing separation of thesecond filter section is on an opposite longitudinal edge to the controlelement 950. Thus, the second filter section is securely attached to thefirst part of the smoking article.

The contacting surface is arranged to engage with a further contactingsurface of the connecting section 934. The further contacting surface ofthe connecting section 934 is also on the inner layer 930 of the blank,and/or extends around the whole circumference of the smoking article.The two contacting surfaces are initially integrally formed on the blank900, and subsequently divided to allow circumferential movement. In someaspects, the contacting surfaces limiting or preventing longitudinalmovement are initially integrally formed on the same wrapped layer of ablank comprising a plurality of layers when wrapped. The connectingsection 934 extends around the contacting surfaces.

In some examples, the second blank 900 provides for a base ventilation.The area of the base ventilation is independent of the position of thecontrol element. The second blank comprises a base ventilation area 976.The base ventilation area 976 extends circumferentially, e.g. throughboth the inner and outer layers 930,940. The base ventilation area 976is located in the connecting section 934, e.g. rearwardly of the controlelement 950 and ventilation area 970. The base ventilation area 976comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced ventilation apertures.The base ventilation area 976 extends around the whole circumference ofthe smoking article. Base ventilating air is arranged to enter thesecond filter section 114′. The second filter section 114′ comprises analigned base ventilation area 976′.

The functioning of the smoking article comprising the wrapped blanks900,901 is substantially the same as described with respect to FIGS. 1to 8, in that the control element 950 selectively covers the ventilationarea 970 and limits rotation by engagement with the first and secondengaging surfaces 933 a,933 b. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 9 functionsin a similar manner to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8, although thecontrol element 950 on the second blank 900 and second indexing surfaceon the first blank 901 are movable relative to each other.

FIG. 10 shows a blank 1001 configured to be cut into a plurality offirst blanks 901,901′. The first blanks 901,901′ are as described inFIG. 9. In particular, the blank 1001 is arranged to be cut into fourblanks 901,901′. The blank 1001 is configured with four sets of featuresof the blank 901, 901′. The blank 1001 can be cut along three cut linesindicated by lines 1002. In an example method of manufacture, the blank1001 is wrapped around and affixed to a rod article (not shown)configured to form four first filter sections 112. The blank 1001 androd article are cut together at the locations 1002 to provide fouridentical or similar wrapped first filter sections. The wrapped firstfilter section can be aligned with further rod articles, and wrappedwith the second blank 900 to form one or more smoking articles.

Each blank 901 comprises a first spacing section 901 a and a secondspacing section 901 b, as described above. The first spacing section 901a has a width, in a longitudinal direction of the smoking article, whichis larger than a width of the second spacing section 901 b. The blank1001 comprises elongate sections of sheet material configured to providea first or second spacing section 901 a,901 b, or a combination of twoof the spacing sections 901 a,901 b in any combination. The blanks 901are arranged with two second spacing sections 901 b adjacent to eachother, arranged to be separated by a cut line 1002. The blank 1001 alsocomprises two adjacent first spacing sections 901 a.

The blank 1001 is arranged such that the leading edges 921,921′ of thesupport sections 920, as described above, are angled such that a part ofthe edge 921,921′ is wrapped prior to another part of the edge 921,921′. In an alternative example, the edges 921, 921′ are angled suchthat the part of the edge 921,921′ wrapped initially is adjacent anarrower of the elongate sections forming the first and or secondspacing sections 901 a,901 b. This provides additional material of thesupport section 920 adjacent to the narrow of the elongate sectionsforming the first and or second spacing sections 901 a,901 b.Alternatively, the edges 921,921′ can be angled in a differentconfiguration. The angled edges 921, 921′ are angled as described withrespect to the angled edges of any embodiment, in particular, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 7 and 9.

The blank 1001 is configured to provide first blanks 901 with edges 921angled in opposite senses, for use in manufacturing two smoking articlestogether with the arrangement shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the blank1001 can be configured to provide a plurality of identical first blanks901;901′, or blanks similar to first blanks 901,901′ with differentorientations of the angled edges 921,921′ in relation to the first andsecond spacing sections 910 a,910 b.

The blank 1001 is configured to be cut into four blanks 901,901′.Alternatively, the blank 1001 is configured to be cut into a pluralityof blanks, of any number. For example, the blank 1001 can be configuredto be cut into 2,4 or 6 identical or similar blanks, or into one each oftwo similar (but different) blanks.

FIG. 11 shows two examples of a first blank 1101,1102. The blanks1101,1102 are configured and function substantially as described withrespect to FIG. 9, with the following differences. The first blanks1101,1102 are configured to wrap around two sets of rod articles 110′,and be wrapped with two sets of second blanks 900′, as described withrespect to FIG. 9. Equivalent reference numerals indicate the sameparts.

The first blanks 1101,1102 comprise a leading edge of the first andsecond spacing sections 910 a,910 b which is connected together. Aspacer connection 1124 connects the leading edge, as described withrespect to the spacer connection 724 described with respect to FIG. 7. Atrailing edge 1126,1126′ of the spacer connection 1124 is angled to alongitudinal axis of the smoking article, as described with respect tothe angled edge 726 described with respect to FIG. 7. The orientation ofthe trailing edge 1126,1126′ of the spacer connection 1124 is parallelto the leading edges 721,721′ of the support sections 920,921′.

Each first blank 1101 comprises a second indexing surface support unit306, also termed a pawl support unit, as described with respect to FIG.2. The second indexing surface support unit 306 is affixed to the sheetmaterial forming the first blanks 1101,1102. The second indexing surfacesupport unit 306 comprises the second indexing surface or pawl 304. Thesecond indexing surface 304 is arranged in a different location on theseparate first blanks 1101,1102.

Both smoking articles are configured to rotate in the same sense toobtain the same variation in ventilation. To provide this, one of thesupport sections 920 needs to rotate over the spacer connection 1124.The positioning of the pawl 304 is such that the pawl 304 does nottravel over the spacer connection 1124. In the example shown in FIG. 11,the lower blank 1102 has a support section 920 which moves to the rightinto the cut-out or space between the angled edges 721′,1126′. The upperblank 1101 has a support section 920 which moves to the left, movingradially over the spacer connection 1124. The pawl 304 is spaced apartfrom an edge of the support sections 920 which leads in a direction oftravel in use, i.e. the left edge as shown. Thus, the pawl 304 is notrequired to move over the spacer connection 1124. As an option, the pawl304 on the blank 1102 can have this same position.

FIG. 12 shows a blank 1201 configured to be cut into a plurality offirst blanks 1101, 1102 as described in FIG. 11. In particular, theblank 1201 is arranged to be cut into four blanks 1101,1102, two of eachtype. The blank 1201 is configured with four sets of features of theblanks 1101,1102. The blank 1201 can be cut along three cut linesindicated by lines 1202. In an example method of manufacture, the blank1201 is wrapped around a rod article (not shown) configured to form fourfirst filler section 112. The blank 1201 and rod article are cuttogether at the locations 1202 to provide a wrapped first filtersection. The wrapped first filler section can be aligned with furtherrod articles, and wrapped with a second blank, e.g. as described withrespect to FIGS. 9 or 11, to form one or more smoking articles.

A leading edge 921,921′ of the support section 920 is angled to alongitudinal axis, substantially as described with respect to any ofFIGS. 7 to 11. The angled edges can alternate in direction, as shown.Alternatively, the angled edges can be arranged differently, for exampleas described with respect to FIG. 10. The position of the secondindexing support section 304 can optionally alternate in position on thesimilar (but different) types of first blank 1101,1102, as describedwith respect to FIG. 11.

The blank 1201 has a leading edge comprising a spacer connection 1224configured to be cut into spacer connections 1124 for each blank1101,1102. The spacer connection 1224 is configured as a plurality ofthe spacer connections 1124 described with respect to FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of second blank 1300, configured tobe wrapped as the outer two layers around one or more rod articles. FIG.13 also shows rod articles 110 as described above, already wrapped witha first blank 1301. The first and second blank 1301,1300 are configuredand function substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4, inparticular FIG. 4, with the following differences. Equivalent referencenumerals indicate the same parts.

The rod articles 110 are wrapped with the first blank 1301, whichcomprises first and second spacing sections 1310 a,1310 b. The first andsecond spacing sections 1310 a,1310 b are arranged and functionsubstantially as described above for first and second spacing sections,e.g. as described in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first and second spacingsections 1310 a,1310 b are wrapped around the first filter section 112,providing access therebetween to the first indexing surface 116.

In the example shown, the first blank 1301 comprises only the first andsecond spacing sections 1310 a,1310 b. In one aspect, the first andsecond spacing sections 1310 a,1310 b are initially separate, and areattached individually. Alternatively, the first and second spacingsections 1310 a,1310 b are connected together prior to wrapping, forexample, by the spacer connection 724.

In some aspects, the first and second spacing sections 1310 a,1310 b arenot initially affixed to a support section for supporting the secondindexing surface. Instead, the second indexing surface support unit 306,and second indexing surface (pawl) 304, are affixed to the second blank1300. For example, the second indexing surface (pawl) 304 is affixed tothe same section of blank 1300 which comprises the control element 250.Thus, the second indexing surface and control element are arranged tomove together relative to the first indexing surface.

The first blank 1301 comprises a ventilation area 1372. The ventilationarea 1372 is formed in the first spacer section 1310 a. In some aspects,the first spacing section 1310 a is wrapped around the rod articles 110,and then the ventilation area 1372 is formed in the first spacer section1310 a. Thus, the ventilation area 1372 is only formed after the firstspacer section 1310 a is wrapped around the rod articles 110. Forexample, the ventilation area 1372 is formed by a laser generating aseries of apertures in the first spacer section 1310 a. Alternatively,the ventilation area 1372 is formed prior to wrapping of the firstspacing section 1310 a.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of first blank 1401, configured to bewrapped around one or more rod articles. The first blank 1401 isconfigured and functions substantially as described with respect to FIG.8, with the following differences. Equivalent reference numeralsindicate the same parts. The first blank 1401 is configured to beoverwrapped with a second blank, for example the second blank 800described with respect to FIG. 8.

The first blank 1401 is configured to wrap two times only around thewhole circumference of the rod articles. The inner and outer layercorrespond to the inner and middle layers formed by the blank 500 inFIG. 5, or the blank 801 in FIG. 8. In particular, the outer layerprovided by the blank 500 in FIG. 5, or the blank 801 in FIG. 8 is notpresent in the blank 1401. The part of the blank 500 in FIG. 5, or theblank 801 in FIG. 8 forming the third and outer layer is optional. Inparticular, the blank 500 in FIG. 5 comprises a ventilation area 570 onthe inner layer 510, which is arranged to be covered by the controlelement 550. The third outer layer comprises a further ventilation area572 coinciding with the ventilation area 570. However, in the blank 1401the further ventilation area is omitted.

The first blank 1401 comprises first and second spacing sections 1410 a,1410 b, substantially as described in FIG. 8. The first and secondspacing sections 1410 a, 1410 b are optionally connected by a spacersection 824. The first and second spacing sections 1410 a, 1410 b extendcircumferentially over the two layers of the first blank 1401.

The first blank 1401 comprises a support section 1420, supporting thesecond indexing surface 304. The support section 1420 extends one timearound the whole circumference of the smoking article, e.g. to form atube. A trailing edge 1427 of the support section 1420 extendssubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

The area of blank 1401 forming the inner layer, e.g. on the firstspacing section 1410 a, comprises a ventilation area 1472. In someexamples, the ventilation area 1472 comprises a single aperture.Alternatively, the ventilation area 1472 comprises a plurality ofdiscrete permeable areas or apertures.

In some aspects, one of the rod articles 110 comprises a furtherventilation area 1470. For example, the first filter section 112comprises the further ventilation area 1470. The ventilation area 1472is arranged to at least partially coincide with the further ventilationarea 1470. The further ventilation area 1470 comprises a plurality ofdiscrete ventilation areas or apertures, for example, in acircumferentially extending line. The further ventilation area 1470 canbe formed by a laser. Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas1470,1472 comprise a plurality of discrete ventilation areas orapertures.

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a first blank 1501 and a secondblank 1500, configured to be wrapped around one or more rod articles110. The first blank 1501 is configured and functions in a similarmanner to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 8, with anarrangement related to the embodiment of FIG. 9, with the followingdifferences. Equivalent reference numerals indicate the same parts. Thefirst blank 1501 is configured to be overwrapped with the second blank1500, for example, substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 5and 6.

The first blank 1501 is configured to wrap three times around the wholecircumference of the rod articles, with a small further wrapping toprovide an overlap and secure the layers as tubes. The first blank 1501is wrapped with the right edge as shown initially attached to the rodarticles. In particular, the right edge is affixed to the rod articles,and the first blank 1501 wrapped continuously over three times aroundthe rod articles. The second blank 1500 is affixed as a separate wrap,after wrapping of the first blank 1501. The second blank 1500 extendsone time only around the whole circumference, with a small furtherwrapping to provide an overlap and secure the layer as a tube.

The first blank 1501 comprises a support section 1520 with an angledleading edge 821, substantially as described in FIG. 8. The first blank1501 comprises connected first and second spacing sections 1510 a, 1510b, substantially as described in FIG. 8. The first and second spacingsections 1510 a, 1510 b are connected by a spacer section 824. Thespacer section 824 has a trailing edge 826 which is angled to alongitudinal axis of the smoking article, when wrapped, also asdescribed with respect to FIG. 8. The first and second spacing sections1510 a, 1510 b extend circumferentially over all three layers of thefirst blank 1501.

The first blank 1501 comprises a control element 1550. The controlelement 1550 controls ventilation as described with respect to thecontrol element 550;950 shown in FIG. 5 or 9. The control element 1550comprises first and second limiting surfaces 1553 a, 1553 b at the edgesof the control element in the axis of movement, i.e. at thecircumferential edge of the control element 1550, as described above.Contact of the first and second limiting surfaces 1553 a, 1553 b of thecontrol element 1550 between a first engaging surface 1533 a (as shown)and a second engaging surface 1533 b defining a channel 1539therebetween which limits relative rotation between the first and secondparts. The first and second engaging surfaces 1533 a,1533 b and firstand second limiting surfaces 1553 a, 1553 b are as described in anyembodiment, and for example, can be angled as described with respect toFIG. 9.

The control element 1550 is a part of a control element support section1536. The control element support section 1536 is arranged on the blank1501 to form a second (middle) layer when wrapped around the rodarticles. The control element 1550 is a part of a section on the samelayer which extends at least once around the whole circumference of therod articles. The control element support section 1536 extends around atleast one, or at least two, or at least three whole circumferences ofthe smoking article. As shown, the control element support section 1536extends over three whole circumferences of the rod articles. In someaspects, the control element support section 1536 comprising the controlelement 1550 is integral with one of the spacing sections, i.e. secondspacing section 1510 b. The control element support section 1536 can beconsidered as the same section of the blank 1501 as the second spacingsection 1510 b.

An outer layer of the first blank 1501 comprises an overlying section1514. The overlying section 1514 is configured to allow the controlelement 1550 to move (i.e. rotate) underneath, to vary ventilation. Theoverlying section 1514 comprises a ventilation area 1572. Theventilation area 1572 is configured to coincide with the control element1550 and/or channel 1539, and is arranged and functions as described inany other embodiment.

The control element support section 1536 is configured to attach to thefirst part of the smoking article. For example, the control elementsupport section 1536 is affixed to the first filter section 112. Thefirst spacing section 1510 a is also affixed to the first filter section112. As a part of the first part of the smoking article, the controlelement support section 1536 is in a fixed relationship with the firstindexing surface on the rod article (first filter section). The secondindexing surface (pawl) 304 is a part of the second part of the smokingarticle, and is movable relative to the control element support section1536 and control element 1550, substantially as described with respectto FIG. 9.

The blank 1500 further comprises a rear section 1534 which extendslongitudinally rearward of the control element support section 1536 onall three of the inner, middle and outer layers. The rear section 1534has an edge adjacent to the control element support section 1536 whichis profiled in a longitudinal direction. In particular, the rear section1534 has a forward edge which defines the first engaging surface 1533 aand second engaging surface 1533 b, and defines the channel 1539, forexample, in the middle layer of the wrapped blank 1501.

The rear section 1534 also defines an auxiliary channel 1549 in theinner layer of the wrapped blank 1501. The auxiliary channel 1549 hassubstantially the same circumferential and/or longitudinal extent as thechannel 1539. The auxiliary channel 1549 is coincident with the channel1539 when the blank is wrapped. As such, the edges of the auxiliarychannel define circumferential edges 1543 a,1543 b which are coincidentwith the first and second engaging surfaces 1533 a, 1533 b. Thus, thefirst and second engaging surfaces 1533 a, 1533 b can be considered asextending radially over two layers of the smoking article. The auxiliarychannel 1549 does not affect ventilation, and ventilation is controlledby selective covering of one or more of the ventilation areas 1572,1570on the outer layer of the blank 1501 and on a rod article. The channeland auxiliary channel 1539, 1549 define a boundary between the controlelement support section 1536 and section 1534. Ventilating air can passthrough the channel 1539 and coincident auxiliary channel 1549. Anyfeature of the channel of this embodiment or any other is alsoapplicable to the auxiliary channel 1549.

In this example, the blank 1501 extends longitudinally around the firstand second filter sections 112,114, and in particular, over the wholelongitudinal length of the first and second filter sections 112,114. Theblank 1501 does not extend around the tobacco rod 111.

The control element support section 1536 is attached to the rear section1534 by a first frangible connection 1526,1526 a. The first frangibleconnection 1526,1526 a extends over the inner and middle layers. Thesecond indexing surface support section 1520 is connected to the controlelement support section 1536/second spacing section 1510 b by a secondfrangible connection 1527. The second indexing surface support section1520 is connected to the first spacing section 1510 a by a thirdfrangible connection 1528. Each of the first, second and/or thirdfrangible connections extends substantially circumferentially whenwrapped.

Each of the first, second and/or third frangible connections is formedby perforations in the sheet material of the blank 1501.

The second blank 1500 comprises a ventilation area 1574 arranged tocoincide with the ventilation areas 1570, 1572 and channels 1539,1549.The ventilation area 1574 extends over the whole circumference of thesecond blank 1500, such that the ventilation area 1574 does not directlydetermine the effective ventilation of the smoking article with avariation in positioning of the control element 1550. The ventilationarea 1574 comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation areas in acircumferential and/or longitudinal direction.

The second blank comprises a fourth frangible connection 1530, extendingcircumferentially, providing for separation of the second blank 1500into a forward area 1580 and a rearward area 1582. The forward area 1580is affixed to the first spacing section 1510 a only. The rearward area1582 is affixed to the support section 1520, and the section 1534. Therearward area 1582 extends over, but is not affixed to, the controlelement support section 1536 or second spacing section 1510 b. Therearward area 1582 functions to connect the support section 1520 andrear section 1534. The rear section 1534 is affixed to the second filtersection, and the control element support section 1536 is longitudinallyfixed between first and second spacing sections. Thus, the second blank1500 provides a connection between the second filter section and thefirst filter section. The connection maintains the first and secondfilter sections in a fixed longitudinal relationship (e.g. adjacent toeach other), whilst allowing relative rotation. In common with otherembodiments, the outermost or exterior layer of the blank(s) wrappedaround the first and second filter sections 112,114 provides the, or theonly, connection between the first and second filter sections 112,114.

The rearward area 1582 of the second blank 1500 defines an outer mouthend part of the smoking article. Rotation of this outer mouth end partrelative to the tobacco rod effects movement between the first andsecond parts of the smoking article. In particular, the second filtersection 114, rear section 1534 and second indexing surface 304 rotatetogether. Thus, the first and second engaging surfaces 1533 a,1533 b andventilation areas 1570,1572 rotate together with the second filtersection. The second indexing section indexes with the first indexingsection on the first filter section. The control element 1550 remains ina fixed relation with the tobacco rod, and so relative to the tobaccorod, the first and second engaging surfaces 1533 a,1533 b andventilation areas 1570,1572 rotate relative to a stationary controlelement 1550. The effect is the same as described with respect to FIGS.1 to 14, in that the control element 1550 selectively covers at leastone of the ventilation areas 1570,1572 and limits rotation by engagementwith the first and second engaging surfaces 1533 a,1533 b. The controlelement 1550 is a part of a section which extends at least once aroundthe whole circumference of the rod articles. Thus, the embodiment ofFIG. 15 functions in a similar manner to the other embodiments, althoughthe control element 1550 and second indexing surface 304 on the firstblank 1501 are movable relative to each other.

The first blank 1501 defines contacting surfaces configured to engage tolimit or prevent longitudinal withdrawal of the second filter section114. The contacting surfaces are provided by a forward edge of thecontrol element support section 1536 and a rearward edge of the secondindexing surface support section 1520. The adjacent contacting edges areinitially an integral part of the same blank 1501. The contacting edgesextend over one or more whole circumferences of the smoking article. Insome examples, contacting edges extend over at least two times aroundthe circumference of the smoking article.

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a first blank 1601 and a secondblank 1600, configured to be wrapped around one or more rod articles110. The first blank 1601 is configured and functions in a similarmanner to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 15, and the samereference numerals are used to indicate the same parts. The blank 1601differs by comprising only the inner and middle layers (first and secondlayers), as described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 14. Thefirst blank 1601 is configured to wrap two times only around the wholecircumference of the rod articles.

The control element 1550 on first blank 1601 controls ventilation by thedegree of overlap with the ventilation area 1570 on a rod article, e.g.second filter section 114. The ventilation area 1574 on the second blank1600 does not directly affect ventilation. Thus, the only ventilationarea with which the control element 1550 variably overlies to determineventilation is on a rod article.

Alternatively, the second blank 1600 comprises a ventilation area whichat least partially determines the ventilation of the smoking article.For example, the ventilation area on the second blank 600 can extendover only a part of the circumference, e.g., aligned with (or insteadof) the ventilation area 1570. In some examples, the control element1550 is movable relative to the ventilation area(s), the amount ofoverlap of control element 1550 blocking or covering a variable amountof the ventilation area(s) determining ventilation.

The ventilation area 1574-1570 of the second blank and/or in the rodarticle, can comprise a single aperture or a plurality of discreteapertures extending over a circumferential area. The area of the secondblank and/or rod article around the ventilation areas 1570,1574 issubstantially impermeable to air. Alternatively or in addition, theauxiliary channel 1549 can extend over less than the circumferentialextent of the channel 1539, such that the inner layer of the wrapprovides a ventilation area which determines the effective ventilationof the smoking articles, for example, as described in any embodimentabove.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show exemplary processes in methods of manufacture. Theterms used and processes illustrated are examples only. In general, amethod of manufacturing a smoking article comprises providing one ormore rod articles. In particular, the rod articles comprise a source ofsmokable material, a first filter section and a second filter section.

A first blank is wrapped around one or more f the rod articles, e.g. thefirst filter section. The first blank is dimensioned to wrap a pluralityof times around the whole circumference (e.g. two times or three times)to provide an inner and outer tube. The first blank is provided withadhesive to adhere to the rod article and/or the inner layer.

A second blank is then wrapped around the rod articles and first blank.The first blank is dimensioned to wrap one or more times around thewhole circumference (e.g. one time or two times) to provide one or morefurther tubes. The second blank is provided with adhesive to adhere tothe rod articles and/or the inner layer and/or adhere to an inner layerof the second blank.

The rod articles and blank can be configured to manufacture one or moresmoking articles simultaneously. For example, if two smoking articlesare made simultaneously, a further step is to cut the dual article inhalf to provide two smoking articles.

FIG. 17 shows schematically a first method 2000 of manufacturing smokingarticles according to the present invention. The method is related tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 13, with differences explained below

The smoking articles are assembled in assembly process 2050, usingcomponents formed in indexing section process 2010 and second filterprocess 2040. These processes are now described in turn. The processesmay be configured to provide components which are suitable formanufacturing one, two or four smoking article simultaneously, and whichare later cut to form individual smoking articles.

The indexing section process 2010 comprises forming a filler having afirst indexing section 116. Indexing section process 2010 comprisesproviding a sheet material, for example, polymer film (e.g. celluloseacetate film, e.g. CLARIFOIL) or paper (2021), and embossing an indexingprofile (2022) having grooves and ridges, for example using opposedrollers. The process 2010 further comprises providing a standard tow offiltration material (2023), for example cellulose acetate tow. The towis formed into a cylinder (2024), and the tow plasticised (2025).Optionally, an adsorbent additive is added to the tow (2026), forexample carbon particles. The adsorbent additive particles aredistributed throughout the filtration material. The film with anindexing profile is wrapped around the tow to form a rod comprising afirst filter section, and the rod is cut to length if necessary (2027).

In the method as shown, one or more spacing sections are provided (2028)wrapped around the first filter section (2029). The one or more spacingsections are spaced apart longitudinally.

Second filter process 2040 comprises providing conventional filtrationmaterial (2041), for example in the form of cellulose acetate tow. Thetow is formed into a cylinder (2042). The tow is plasticised with aplasticiser (2043). A sheet material is provided, for example, paperplugwrap (2044). The filtration material is wrapped with the sheetmaterial, and a continuous rod of wrapped filtration material is cutinto pieces for forming one or a plurality of second filter sections(2045).

The assembly process 2050 receives the first filter having a firstindexing surface (2051) from process 2010. A double-length first filtersection is provided, having a first indexing surface (i.e. ratchet) andcut in half (2054). The assembly process 2050 comprises providingstandard second filter sections from process 2040 (2052). Two of thesecond filter sections (for example a double length second filler) areinserted between the separated first filters (2054). The second filtersections can be a plain cellulose acetate filter, e.g. with no additive.One or more variable ventilation apertures are formed in the secondfilter sections, for example with a laser (2056).

The assembly process 2050 further comprises providing a pawl unitcomprising a pawl forming the second indexing surface. The pawl unit isformed by providing a sheet material e.g. cellulose acetate film (2060),from which is cut a blank (2061).

The blanks are separated (2062), and folded, for example by rollers toform a pawl profile e.g. a triangular upstanding pawl (2063).

An inner sleeve or wrap is formed by providing sheet material (2065),for example tipping paper. One or more ventilation apertures are cut inthe blank (2067), and the material of the apertures is removed as waste(2068). The blank may be formed to provide sleeves for two smokingarticles. An adhesive is applied to the blank (2069).

The pawl unit is affixed to the inner sleeve blank (2070) by theadhesive. In some aspects, two pawl units are affixed to each doublelength sleeve blank. In 2071, the sleeve blank is located around thefirst and second filter sections and with the pawl registered betweenthe spacing sections (2071). The sleeve blank also extends aroundtobacco rods provided in 2072, and located adjacent the first fillersections.

In some examples, an outer sleeve blank or wrap is formed by providingsheet material (2075), for example tipping paper. One or moreventilation apertures are cut in the blank (2077), and the material ofthe apertures is removed as waste (2078). The blank may be formed toprovide sleeves for two smoking articles. An adhesive is applied to theblank (2079). The outer tipping paper and inner tipping paper can beintegral in some aspects of the invention.

The sleeve blanks are secured as cylinders around the inner wrap, firstand second filters and tobacco rods to form a double length smokingarticle (2080). The double length second filter is cut laterally to formtwo individual smoking articles (2081).

The method described can be modified to combine or alter the processsteps to manufacture a smoking article according to any of theembodiments described.

FIG. 18 shows schematically a second method 2100 of manufacturingsmoking articles according to the present invention. The method isrelated to the first method shown in FIG. 17, and the same steps arenumbered identically. The second method can also relates to theembodiment shown in FIG. 13, with the differences explained below.

A sleeve or wrap blank is formed by providing sheet material (2165), forexample tipping paper. The wrap is dimensioned to form two (or morelayers) around the rod articles no. One or more ventilation aperturesare cut in the blank (2167), and the material of the apertures isremoved as waste (2168). The blank may be formed to provide sleeves fortwo smoking articles. An adhesive is applied to the blank (2169).

In 2170, the pawl formed in 2063 (described above) is attached to theblank. For example, the pawl is attached with adhesive. The pawl ispositioned on the blank to be on an inner layer of the blank, whenwrapped around the rod articles 110.

In 2180, the blank is wrapped around the rod articles two or more timesto form two or more layers of sheet material. The wrapping of the blankalso connects a tobacco rod to the first filter section. Alternatively,the tobacco rod is attached by a separate blank wrapped around thetobacco rod and first filter section.

FIG. 19 shows schematically a third method 2200 of manufacturing smokingarticles according to the present invention. The method is related tothe first method shown in FIG. 17, and the same steps are numberedidentically.

An inner blank for a sleeve or wrap is formed by providing sheetmaterial (2265), for example tipping paper. The inner wrap (i.e. firstblank) is dimensioned to form two (or more layers) around the rodarticles no. One or more ventilation apertures are cut in the blank(2267), and the material of the apertures is removed as waste (2268).The blank may be formed to provide sleeves for two smoking articles. Anadhesive is applied to the blank (2269).

In 2270, the pawl formed in 2063 (described above) is attached to theblank. For example, the pawl is attached with adhesive.

An inner sleeve or wrap is formed by providing sheet material (2165),for example tipping paper. The inner wrap is dimensioned to form two (ormore layers) around the rod articles no. One or more ventilationapertures are cut in the blank (2167), and the material of the aperturesis removed as waste (2168). The blank may be formed to provide sleevesfor two smoking articles. An adhesive is applied to the blank (2169).

In assembly process 2050, an outer sleeve or wrap is formed by providingsheet material (2275), for example tipping paper. The inner wrap isdimensioned to form two (or more layers) around the wrapped first filtersection. One or more ventilation apertures are cut in the blank (2277),and the material of the apertures is removed as waste (2278). The blankmay be formed to provide sleeves for two smoking articles. An adhesiveis applied to the blank (2279).

In 2280, the blank is wrapped around the wrapped first filter sectiontwo or more times to form two or more layers of sheet material. Theouter wrap is arranged to engage to be secured with an exterior surfaceof a section supporting the pawl, the pawl being engaged with the firstindexing surface of the first filter section.

In any embodiment, the control element extends over only a part of acircumference of the smoking article. Thus, rotation of the controlelement can cover a ventilation aperture.

The control element is integrally attached to the control elementsupport section. The attachment is not by folding the control element tooverlie or underlie the support section. The control element is in thesame radial layer as the control element support section. The blanks ofembodiments of the invention have a further radial layer can beinitially integrally formed with the layer of the control element andsupport section. Alternatively, a separate radial layer can be wrappedaround the control element and support section.

The movement of the selection portions relative to the underlying layerhas been described as a rotational movement. Alternatively, the movementis a longitudinal movement, i.e. along a longitudinal axis of the rodarticles or smoking articles. Alternatively, the movement is acombination of longitudinal and rotational movement.

The limiter has been described as comprising a stop integrally formedwith the inner wrap. Alternatively, the stop comprises a raisedprotrusion of any type, movable within a slot. For example, the stop isformed by adhesive, forming a raised protrusion. The stop extendsradially outwardly from the rod articles, into the slot of anyembodiment. In some examples, the stop is connected to both the outerwrap and the rod articles. In an alternative arrangement, the stopextends through the slot in the inner layer, and attaches to bothradially adjacent layers, i.e. to both the outer layer and the rodarticles forming the first part of the smoking article. The outer wrapand the rod articles form a single unit, between which the inner wrap isrotatable. The stop provides a connection between the outer wrap and thetobacco unit. The stop 272 may be formed only of adhesive, adhered toboth the outer wrap and the tobacco unit. The attachment of the stop 272to both radially adjacent layers means that the stop 272 cannot be movedout of the slot 271, for example, by a radial deformation of the innerwrap 113 defining the slot 271. Alternatively, the slot is formed in theouter wrap, and the stop movable within the slot is attached to theinner wrap.

Embodiments of the invention are described in which a plurality oflayers wrapped around the rod articles are integrally formed, i.e. thesame blank provides a plurality of layers. Alternatively, one or more ofthe layers described can be formed by a separate blank, i.e. one or eachlayer is wrapped separately. In addition, any of the layers which aredescribed as formed by wrapping a separate blank can be formedintegrally with any other adjacent layer. Any adjacent layer of thesmoking article can be integrally formed with any one or more adjacentlayers.

In some examples, the second filter section is any type of section whichprovides support for the surrounding wrap(s). For example, the secondfilter section can be a hollow cylindrical tube. Alternatively, thesmoking article does not comprise a second filter section movablerelative to the source of smokable material. The second part of thesmoking article comprises an exterior part which is movable relative toanother exterior part, in order to modify a property of the smokingarticle, substantially as described. In this case, a filter section isnot connected to one of the movable external parts.

The sections of blank of any embodiment have been described ascomprising one or more frangible connections. Alternatively, the blankdoes not comprise one or more of those frangible connections. Instead,the sections are separated by cutting the blank prior to, or after,wrapping around the rod articles. For example, the blank could be cutwhen wrapped around the rod articles by a rotary knife or laser.

The control element and the channel in which the control element ismovable have been shown in each embodiment. Alternatively, the controlelement and the channel can be reversed, i.e. the section defining thecontrol element instead defines the channel, and the section definingthe channel defines the control element. The control element is stillmovable within the channel, and the overall function is substantiallythe same. Minor modifications may be needed to provide for the samefunctioning.

Any embodiment can comprise both a variable ventilation and a baseventilation. The base ventilation can be provided by ventilation areas,e.g. apertures, extending through all layers of the blank(s) andoptionally, in the wrap around the rod articles. For example, the secondfilter section can comprise a base ventilation area. A variableventilation area can be formed in the first or second ventilation area.The variable ventilation area can have a partial circumferential extentwhich can be selectively covered by the control element to determine theventilation, or extend around the circumference such that the positionof the aligned control element does not determine ventilation bycovering that ventilation area.

The first and second part of the smoking article have been described asmoving in indexed steps. Alternatively, the smoking article does notcomprise an indexing mechanism, and the first and second part of thesmoking article do not move in indexed steps. The first and second partsare movable continuously. The range of movement can be limited by thecontrol element, e.g. as described above. A rotational position of thecontrol element relative to at least one ventilation area is notindexed, e.g. the position is continuously selectable. In some examples,the selected position is retained by friction between adjacent layerswhich are movable relative to each other. This embodiment can comprisethe second blank 900, as described with respect to FIG. 9. The blank 900is wrapped directly around one or more rod articles. The rod articlescomprise one or more filter sections. The rod articles may not comprisea first indexing surface.

In some examples, the smoking article does not comprise the first blank901. The blank 900 can be provided with a cut-out, i.e. an aperture inthe blank 900, e.g. adjacent the control element support section. Thecut-out is configured such that the control element support section ismovable into the cut-out. Thus, the cut-out allows for an initialmovement of the control element support section, e.g. in acircumferential direction. The cut-out provides a space in the samelayer as the control element support section, into which the controlelement support section is movable. The cut-out is configured to preventa circumferential edge of the control element support section catchingon (or contacting) an adjacent part of the blank 900 when rotated. Thisconfiguration can allow reliable movement between the first part andsecond part of the smoking article. A cut-out adjacent, e.g.circumferentially adjacent, to a movable part of the blank, e.g. controlelement support section, can be included in any embodiment to allowinitial movement.

The spacing sections are configured to extend one or more times aroundthe circumference of the rod articles, e.g. one or more times around thewhole circumference of the rod articles. Various embodiments describeone or more spacing sections extending twice around the rod articles, insome aspects, forming an inner and an outer complete layer.Alternatively, the one or more spacing section(s) extend only one timearound the whole circumference of the rod articles. In addition, in someaspects, an overlap of the spacing section is affixed to itself tosecure the spacing sections as a tube around the rod articles. Thesingle layer of spacing section can be connected or frangible connectedto a control element support section. In this case, the connection (tobe cut or frangible) extends around the whole circumferential length ofthe or each spacing section(s).

Any of the features described can be claimed independently of any otherfeature. For example, the feature of the interface between the first andsecond parts being longitudinally offset on the different layers can beclaimed independently. In particular, the interface is offset on twolayers which are integral. The first and second layers are wrapped as asingle blank around the rod articles. In some aspects, the contactingsurfaces limiting or preventing longitudinal movement can also beclaimed independently.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety ofthis disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments inwhich the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superiorsmoking articles or manufacturing of smoking. The advantages andfeatures of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodimentsonly, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented onlyto assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to beunderstood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features,structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to beconsidered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims orlimitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments maybe utilised and modifications may be made without departing from thescope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitablycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations ofthe disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc.In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future.

1. A smoking article, comprising: a first part including a source ofsmokable material; a second part including a filter section andconfigured to rotate relative to the first part; a first index surfaceon the first part and a second index surface on the second partcollectively configured to engage and index rotation between the firstpart and the second part; a first spacer section; and a second spacersection, the second index surface configured to be movable between thefirst spacer section and the second spacer section, the second indexsurface supported in a radial position relative to the first indexsurface, the radial position defined at least partially by at least oneof the first or second spacer sections, and a leading edge of the firstspacer section and a leading edge of the second spacer section areconnected.
 2. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second spacer sections are configured to wrap one or moretimes around a whole circumference of the smoking article.
 3. Thesmoking article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leading edge of thefirst spacer section and the leading edge of the second spacer sectionare configured to attach initially to a rod article of the smokingarticle.
 4. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a section overlying at least one of the first and secondspacer sections and configured to support the second index surface inthe radial position relative to the first index surface, the radialposition defined at least partially by the at least one spacer section.5. The smoking article as claimed in claim 1, further comprising asupport configured to define or support the second index surface, thesupport section movable between the first spacer section and the secondspacer section.
 6. The smoking article as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe support section is initially monolithically attached to the firstspacer section and the second spacer section.
 7. The smoking article asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the second index surface is configured to bemovable in a range determined by a controller, the control elementconfigured to variably cover a ventilation area and determine aventilation of the smoking article.
 8. The smoking article as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the rod article defines the filter section.